How coronavirus affects shipping: Everything you need to know

1. Inform Singapore Harbour Pilot if there is unwell crew onboard or deviation from the health declaration to the relevant authorities
2. Avoid shaking hands and adopt contactless greetings method
3. Receive Singapore Harbour Pilot at pilot ladder or gangway by essential crew only (these crew to don surgical masks)
4. Have only essential crew on the bridge and for them to don surgical masks
5. Practise social distancing of at least 1 metre or 2 arm’s length
6. Open bridge’s door for ventilation
7. Sanitise bridge equipment such as binocular, VHF telephony regularly and before Singapore
8. Harbour Pilot boards the ship
9. Make available hand sanitiser/soap on the bridge
10. Allow Singapore Harbour Pilot to use the elevator whenever possible
11. Avoid bodily disinfectant spraying
12. Provide food or water Singapore Harbour Pilot in a proper package with pre-packed sanitised utensils

The GCQ status over Metro Manila has been extended until 15 July 2020. Other places under a GCQ are the provinces of Benguet, Cavite, Rizal, Leyte and Southern Leyte and municipalities of Lapu-Lapu, Mandaue, Talisay, Consolacion and Minglanilla in the province of Cebu and Ormoc in the province of Leyte. Cebu City remains to be under the most stringent Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) status until 15 July 2020.

Inbound international commercial flights for passengers at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Manila) are allowed on a limited capacity.

Only returning Filipino citizens including their spouse and children with permanent resident status, foreign dignitaries and diplomats are allowed to join the inbound commercial flights and they will be subjected to quarantine procedures.  Other international airports are being geared for re-opening to inbound international flights subject to regulations. Domestic flights have partially resumed but heavily restricted by regulations imposed by local government units.

• that the restrictions do not prevent the entry, by air or waterway, of sea crew to exercise specific functions on board of a vessel or platform operating in jurisdictional waters, provided that the migratory requirements appropriate to their condition are observed, including to carry an entry visa, when required by the Brazilian legal system.
• The restrictions provided for in this Ordinance do not prevent the disembarkation, authorised by the Federal Police, of maritime crew for medical assistance or for connection of air return to the country of origin related to operational issues or termination of employment contract.
• The authorisation referred to in § 3 is subject to a term of responsibility for the expenses resulting from the connection signed by the maritime agent, with prior consent of the local health authorities, and the presentation of the corresponding air tickets.

It is believed that from 1 July, travellers from the Caribbean (excluding the Dominican Republic and Haiti), Canada and Europe will be allowed to enter the country; followed by travellers from the United States from 10 July.

Entry into the country is subject to the completion of a new embarkation/disembarkation card which is available online.

1. to provide convenience to change of Turkish and foreign crew members at Turkish ports
2. to re-commence port state inspections at Turkish ports to the 15% of the vessels which are flying non-Turkish flags

Similar to previous Ordinances, art 4 establishes that the restrictions do not apply to:

1. Brazilian, born or naturalised;
2. immigrant with permanent residence, for a fixed or indefinite period, in Brazilian territory;
3. foreign professional on mission at the service of an international organisation, as long as duly identified;
4. passenger in international transit, provided he does not leave the international area of the airport and the country of destination admits his ticket;
5. foreign employee accredited to the Brazilian Government;
6. foreigner: a) spouse, partner, son, father or curator of a Brazilian; b) whose entry is specifically authorised by the Brazilian Government in view of the public interest or for humanitarian reasons; and c) bearer of the National Migration Registry.
7. cargo transportation.

Art. 5 expressly creates two exclusions relevant to shipping operations. Firstly, it allows the entry and stay of a foreign maritime crew member with an international seafarer card issued under the terms of the International Labour Organisation Convention, whose entry is required by the maritime agent to the Federal Police, to exercise specific functions on board a vessel or platform operating in jurisdictional waters. The seafarer’s identity card mentioned may be substituted by a passport that attributes the status of seafarer to its holder, provided that it is issued by a country signatory to the International Labour Organization Convention. This allowance however does not exempt the foreigner from the obligation to carry an entry visa appropriate to his condition as a sea crew member, when this is required by Brazilian law. Secondly, the disembarkation of crew members for medical assistance or for air connection to return to the country of origin related to operational issues or termination of employment contract has also been allowed. It is further established that for this kind of entry, permission will be issued by the Federal Police through a term of responsibility for the expenses resulting from the connection signed by the relevant maritime agent after prior consent of the local health authorities, and the corresponding air tickets must be presented.

Necochea & Bahia Blanca ports: Health Authorities request ships calling from “affected areas” a 14-day transit form last port of call. Stevedores at Necochea,  however, refuse to provide services to any ship calling with less than 14 days transit time. “Affected areas” are EU members, Schengen members, UK and North Ireland, United States of America, Korea, Japan, China, Iran, Chile and Brazil.

San Nicolas port (public berths): port authorities seem to be requesting to ships calling a 14-day transit time from any previous port, but this does not seem set in stone.

The crew of the Uruguayan Pilots’ boats, which are used by the Argentinean Pilots to embark / disembark at Recalada Pilot Station from Montevideo/Buzeo, have decided on 18th May 2020 to remain under quarantine (stopping their activity) until all their staff are tested for COVID-19. In the meantime, Argentinean pilots are using the small port of Piriapolis in Uruguay which could entail some delays to embark/disembark at Recalda.

Surveyors attendance:  some restriction may be encountered but so far services are being provided.

The National Protocol for the prevention of covid-19 has been amended. It provides additional requirements for ships’ arriving to Argentina. The requirements will vary  depending on transit time, last port of call and crew changes. This includes additional/enhanced pre-arrival information and documentation; clarification as to mandatory quarantine applicable; and requirements applicable to Pilots.

It provides express provisions applicable to ships:

• in general (ships arriving to first roads or where the first pilot is picked up with more than 14 days transit time from last port of call, or with less than 14 days transit time if the last port of call is not considered a “high risk” country [so far EU members, Schengen members, UK and North Ireland, United States of America, Korea, Japan, China, Iran, Chile and Brazil];
• calling from risk zones with no crew changes (less than 14 days transit time of the last port within “high risk” country without changing crew for more than 14 days prior to arrival);
• crew changes (calling from any country there was any change on the crew, or any crewmember had to be disembarked for urgent reasons, with less than 14 days transit time since last port of call).

Mandatory quarantine would be applicable if there are confirmed COVID19 cases on board; or suspected cases and the quarantine ordered by the Sanitary Authorities. In addition, if any vessel whatsoever fails to comply with the requirements and pre-arrival information requested according to the protocol, the vessel will be placed in quarantine for 14 days (counting as from the date of departure from the last port of call).

In addition, if a COVID19 is confirmed on board of any vessel that has called Argentinean ports within 30 days of its departure, the ship agents must be provided with certain documentation / information to be submitted to our Authorities (understood to track possible contagion in the country during ship’s call).

As such, another circular dated 17 May reinforcing the directive to give waiver on container detention charges until 30 May. Furthermore the Department of Shipping issued a circular on 20 May requesting to annul the licenses of all the liner shipping agents who will not comply with the above instructions with regards to waiving container detention charges for import and export shipments.

• Entrance of cruise ships to Klaipeda Port is prohibited by the resolution of the Lithuanian Government.
• Entrance of cargo ships and movement of goods are not restricted.
• It is prohibited for foreigners to enter the Republic of Lithuania, except for drivers and crew members, when commercial and/or international carriage of goods is carried out, also there are other exceptions.
• Seafarers shall be allowed through the territory of the Republic of Lithuania without a necessary stop, in formed groups of persons or vehicles with ensured compulsory escort. Escort not required for citizens of Latvia or Estonia.
  Every person while not at home must have his mouth and nose covered (mask, respirator, scarf, etc.), so the same apply to the crews.
• 24 h prior to entering the port Captain must submit a health declaration. Information regarding health of a crew members must be updated 2h prior
• entering the port. If the declaration indicated a sick person on board:After the vessel is berthed National Public Health Center (NPHC) under the Ministry of Health epidemiologists come onboard and investigate the situation;
• If symptoms are relevant, sick crew member is transferred by ambulance to hospital;
• By the order of NPHC vessel (cabins), other living quarters have to be disinfected by the crew with the disinfection means on board, if the crew has no means, disinfection has to be done by the licensed Lithuanian entity.
• After the cleaning and disinfection agents, stevedores, surveyors and others are allowed to come onboard.
• Persons (agents, others), who are contacting with the crew members have to wear means of personal protection.
• After the disinfection persons who are not in contact with a crew are allowed to participate in loading / unloading operations onboard.
• Isolation of 14 days is compulsory for persons, who have returned from foreign countries. So if the seafarer is repatriated or coming home after his contract ended, he will have to spend 14 days at a quarantine facility established by the government.

• All international passenger transportation was stopped from 17 March 2020, but special voyages required for repatriation of the residents from abroad are performed.
• Since 15 May 2020 free movement around the Baltic States (Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia) is allowed for the residents of these countries is allowed. Since 18 May 2020 Latvian airline AirBaltic resumed commercial flights to and from Vilnius, Tallinn, Oslo and Frankfurt.
• Calls of cruise ships to Latvian ports are still prohibited, excluding special (repatriation) voyages.
• Prior to entering the port all ship agents of all cargo ships calling at the ports shall provide the port authorities with accurate information on the composition of the ship’s crew and the health status of all crew members. Any cases of illness or bad feeling among the members of the crew are to be reported to the authorities.
• The crew of foreign-flagged vessels calling at the Latvian ports shall be prohibited from coming ashore, except the specific cases to be agreed upon when necessary for the normal operation of the ship.
• All activities related to cargo handling and ship maintenance shall be performed to minimize physical contact between persons.
  The ships must refrain from current vessel repair and maintenance works by involving shore personnel, to the extent possible.
• Specific internal procedures have been introduced and changes made to operating procedures to minimize physical contact among shift employees, as well as any contact with crews of incoming ships. Pilots and other port personnel who, due to their duties, cannot avoid meeting with crew members shall be provided with personal protection and disinfection agents. Contacts between the vessel crew and pilot or vessel inspector is to be organised by observing distance of at least 2 metres.
• Since the beginning of May local marine doctors resumed PEME, so the seafarers now can undergo the commission. Out-patient medical services for the seafarers, who were abroad within the previous 14 days, are available only after passing Covid-19 test.

• Passenger traffic between Estonia and Finland is only allowed for returning citizens or in certain special cases.
• 14 May 2020 the ferry link between Tallinn and Helsinki was partly reopened for work-related journeys. Travels for tourism are still not allowed.
• The ban on cruise ship calls directly concerns the cancellation of four scheduled ship calls. Tallinn-Stockholm cruises are prohibited
• Reintroduction of border control and ban on the entry for foreign nationals from 17 March 2020 is still in force, excluding residents of the Republic of Lithuania and The Republic of Latvia.
• The general 2+2 rule remains in force – only two people can be in a public space together and a two-meter distance must be kept from others.
• There are no national restrictions on freight transport. There are no significant changes in the schedules of regular freight lines vessels (containers and ro-ro) due to COVID-19 and voyages continue as before the crisis. Also, there has been no significant change in bulk cargo handling.
• Port of Tallinn has made several changes to work processes to ensure the continuity of the service.
• Personal protective equipment is provided to all frontline personnel.
• There are some international flights from Tallinn airport, up to date flight information on Tallinn Airport website.

• Cargo handing at Indian ports is expected to gain momentum by end of May as the extended countrywide lockdown is expected to end on 17 May.
• Handling of cargoes such as coal, oil and gas; have been largely going on smooth during the lockdown periods
• Following advisory issued by India’s Shipping Ministry – all major ports have considered the pandemic as a valid ground for invoking the ‘Force Majeure’ clause on port activities and operations. Even though; the manpower availability at ports had been down, touching an average of 50%-55% during the initial lockdown periods -operations were not affected to a large extent and still, continued.
• Ports with more mechanized facilities, available – manged to sustain operations without much difficulties whilst; those ones, which had to rely on Manual labour, in turn experienced serious slowdown in cargo operations.
• India has almost filled up all its available crude storage capacity, including commercial and strategic petroleum reserve
• Ports/terminals continue operations with some reports of reduced manpower and barge/shore truck availability which cause delays.

• All flights of all airline companies (commercial or privately held) from and to Italy and Spain are suspended, with exception of diplomatic and armed forces, mail and cargoes, as well as humanitarian or medical
• Road, railroad and river transportation suspended on Portuguese borders between Portugal and Spain to remain under constricted control
• All airspace within EU and Schengen areas remain closed to international flights with destiny to EU + Schengen area or departing from, with some minor exceptions.
• Crew changes or disembarks with repatriation purposes, may be authorized, on a case by case basis, subject to approval and opinion of Health Maritime Authority by Immigration Office and Local Port Captaincy.
• Passenger vessels still not be authorized to disembark any guests/crewmembers/staff. Licenses to go ashore also will not be granted. Exception is made to Portuguese Citizens living in Portugal wishing to debark at our ports.
• Passenger Cruise vessels still may call to carry out supplies, provisions, fresh water and other supplies, as well as to perform bunkering operations.
• Cruise vessels may be in Lay-up at Portuguese ports, while awaiting repairs in dry-dock if authorized by Port Authorities.
• Cruise vessels cannot disembark passengers, crewmembers or staff. However, in exceptional cases disembarkations may be performed if authorized by Health Authority and with direct disembark from vessel to international airport area.
• All persons arriving to Portugal by sea; air or ground borders may be subject to quarantine for 14 days in hotel subject to additional requirements of Regional Health Authorities.
• Vessels not performing commercial calls may be prevented to enter Portuguese ports.
• For commercial calls, vessels are allowed to enter and berth in order to perform commercial ops (load/discharge) with no delays or minor delays on account of terminals/vessels contingency plans.
• Health Maritime Declaration must be sent prior vessel’s arrival, at least with 24 hrs in advance and with new Health Maritime Declaration sent on arrival day.
• Pilotage, towage services and linesmen are working normally, with some contingency plans of their owns.
• Crew Shore leave is suspended.
• In some ports, some terminals (on account of its contingency plans) do not allow visitors, crew change nor provisions & supplies by shore side. In these situations launch boat is the only alternative to serve vessels needs by sea side.
• Contact between Officers and Crew with terminal staff, surveyors and agents are kept to a minimum possible.
• Additional PPE (such as Masks, Goggles and Gloves will be compulsory to use in some ports / terminals.
• At present moment there aren’t ports/terminals closed or restricted
• At present moment NO vessel calling under commercial calls has been refused to enter or berth in Portugal

There are some exceptions to the lockdown which include the Panama Canal and the Maritime sector.  Ports and Terminals continue operations.

• the Admiralty Court extended the suspension of procedural deadlines until 29 May (Ordinance No. 22).
• ANVISA has issued RDC 384, which establishes a temporary procedure for issuing the Certificate for On Board Sanitary Control (CCSB), or its exemption, by documentary analysis only. This measure will apply during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• The CCSB, which should not be confused with Free Pratique, is the equivalent to the Ship Sanitation Control Certificate (SSC) implemented by the World Health Organisation as of June 2007, and replaces the previous Deratting Certificates. A valid CCSB, or exemption, should be carried by foreign flagged vessels, in national or international transit, and national flagged vessels, in international transit.
• The measures established in RDC 384, in practice, will allow the assessment by ANVISA of a vessel’s sanitary condition in a documentary manner as part of the “Paperless Port System”. The change is temporary and does not exclude physical inspections if deemed necessary.
• ANVISA has explained that these changes will make it possible to direct its workforce to other activities, such as monitoring vessels in quarantine. Along with the request for issuance of CCSB on a documentary analysis, Owners will be requested to provide the documents listed in art 3 of RDC 384, these are related to the necessary hygiene on board in relation to drinking water, air conditioning, food storage, medical installations, sewage residues, accommodation area, harmful fauna control and solid garbage. Preferably, these documents should be provided in digital format, and the pictures of the installations should be of good resolution.

This regulation applies to ro-ro vessels and passenger vessels operating a regular service with ports outside Spanish territory, with passengers that are not the drivers of drawing vehicles or trailers. This regulation also applies to passenger flights flying into Spain from abroad.

The above means of transport will be only allowed to use the ports and airports designated as points of entry (PoE).  These PoE are:

• Ports: Barcelona, Bilbao, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Málaga, Palma de Mallorca, Tenerife, Valencia and Vigo.
• Airports: Barcelona, Gran Canaria, Madrid, Málaga and Palma de Mallorca.
• This regulation is not applicable to State vessels, cargo vessels nor vessels operating for humanitarian, medical and emergency purposes.

Ministry of Communications advise that agents are required to provide in addition the usually required documentation before arrival:

a copy of the ships’ logbook for the last 30 working days – in English
a copy of port clearance for the last 10 ports where cargo operations were carried out

Carriers must release cargoes after receiving the scanned B/L through email by the corresponding representative of, among others, the consignees.
All local charges  allowed to be collected by carriers at Peru should be listed in the B/L.
The place of delivery of the cargo may be changed by consignees nominating a Yard, Deposit, etc

The ban on cruise ship calls until 1 May 2020 directly concerns the cancellation of four scheduled ship calls.
Reintroduction of border control and ban on the entry for foreign nationals from 17 March 2020
Ban on visiting Estonian islands for two weeks from 14 March 2020.

There are no national restrictions on freight transport. There are no significant changes in the schedules of regular freight lines vessels (containers and ro-ro) due to COVID-19 and voyages continue as before the crisis. Also, there has been no significant change in bulk cargo handling.

Port of Tallinn has made several changes to work processes to ensure the continuity of the service.
Personal protective equipment is provided to all frontline personnel.

• Bunker calls
• Receiving spare parts
• Medical disembarkations (duly proven)
• Repairs
• Load/discharge operations

Algeciras: no restrictions for the crew medical treatment in Algeciras either at the public hospital or at the private hospital.

The authorization for the repatriation operation, issued by the MRE (Secretariat for National Sovereignty and Citizenship Affairs), must contain at least the following information:

• location of foreigners (with the name of the vessel and its berth or the name of the hotel where they remain in quarantine and their location)
• number of foreigners which will be repatriated and the date of the repatriation operation.

The responsible company must also present more detailed information, signaling the departure airport of the repatriation flight (s), with respective schedules.

After receiving a formal response from the MRE on the repatriation operation, AINTE will forward it to the General Management of Ports, Airports, Borders and Customs Enclosures (GGPAF) and Infrastructure Management, Means of Transport and Traveler in PAF (GIMTV) for sending to Coordination of Health Surveillance in PAF (CVPAF) that will accompany the operation.

ANVISA’s Technical Note 86 establishes the communication flow for the repatriation of foreigners who have disembarked from vessels or remain in quarantine in hotels in the context of the COVID-19 Pandemic.

The authorization for the repatriation operation, issued by the MRE (Secretariat for National Sovereignty and Citizenship Affairs), must contain at least the following information:

location of foreigners (with the name of the vessel and its berth or the name of the hotel where they remain in quarantine and their location)
number of foreigners which will be repatriated and the date of the repatriation operation.
The responsible company must also present more detailed information, signaling the departure airport of the repatriation flight (s), with respective schedules.

After receiving a formal response from the MRE on the repatriation operation, AINTE will forward it to the General Management of Ports, Airports, Borders and Customs Enclosures (GGPAF) and Infrastructure Management, Means of Transport and Traveler in PAF (GIMTV) for sending to Coordination of Health Surveillance in PAF (CVPAF) that will accompany the operation.

Suspension of incoming international flights. No person may enter the country, this restriction also counts for the residents of Aruba. Empty flights can only arrive to pick up passengers leaving Aruba to take them to their destination.

A standard pre-arrival documents will be followed, an additional Marine Health Declaration form has to be submitted.
Passengers ships calls are temporarily suspended. Cargo, repair, bunker, load/discharge calls remain possible as normal. Offshore attendance continues as normal.

All ports in Aruba are open as normal.

5 May : The above restrictions have been extended until the end of May 2020. A curfew between 22:00 – 05:00 is in force.

All container vessels destined for Lautoka to be rediverted to Suva.

The Fiji Port Corporation Limited to provide container storage for the remaining 10 days as a consequence of the lockdown for Lautoka.

Medical Assistance

Medical assistance for non-COVID19 related issues remains available, subject to local health authorities conducting an onboard review. If the illness is found to be COVID19 the crew member will not be permitted to go ashore. The vessel will be sent to the ports quarantine anchorage for a period of 14 days.

• People’s Republic of China: Hubei Province, Zhejiang Province
• Republic of Korea: Daegu-guangyeok-si, or Cheondo-gun, Gyeongsan-si, Andong-si, Yeongcheon-si, Chilgok-gun, Uiseong-gun, Seongju-gun, Gunwigun in Gyeongsangbuk-do
• Islamic Republic of Iran: Gilan Province , Qom Province, Tehran Province, Alborz Province, Isfahan Province, Qazvin Province, Golestan Province, Semnan Province, Manzandaran Province, Markazi Province, Lorestan Province
• Italy: Veneto Region, Emilia-Romagna Region, Piedmont Region, Marche Region, Lombardy Region, Aosta Vlley Region, Trentino-South Tyrol Region, Friuli-Venezia Giulia Region, Liguria Region
• San Marino: whole country
• Swiss Confederation: Canton of Ticino, Canton of Basel-Stadt
• Spain: Chartered Community of Navarre, Basque Autonomous Community, Community of Madrid, La Rioja
• Iceland: whole country
• Foreigners who have Chinese passports issued in Hubei Province or Zhejiang Province in the People’s Republic of China.
• Foreigners who were on the cruise ship, Westerdam, departed from Hong Kong.
• United Arab Emirates
• Antigua and Barbuda
• Ukraine
• Oman
• Qatar
• Kuwait
• Saudi Arabia
• Djibouti
• Saint Christopher and Nevis
• Dominican Republic
• Barbados
• Belarus
• Peru
• Russia.

Non-Hong Kong residents arriving in Hong Kong from the Mainland, Macau and Taiwan who have been to overseas countries or territories in the past 14 days will also be banned from entering.

The Hong Kong Marine Department will accept exemption documents or other relevant circular letters issued by the respective flag States during  port State control inspections.

The protocol will continue to operate until the COVID-19 lockdown measures are lifted, unless

However, as from 24 April it is also permitted to commence mediations or continue already ongoing mediations by way of electronic means, always provided that the identity of the parties involved and the principles governing the mediation are properly guaranteed (Resolution No. 121/2020 of the Ministry of Justice and Human Rights).

The timeframe of people movement for essential purchases and other immediate needs is now from 05:00 to 17:30, while the lock-down continues from 17:30 – 05:00 and during the weekends. Trucks transporting goods and other services are allowed circulation 24 hours in all country, but the personal cars can move only if issued a special authorization.

Land borders of the country are closed for people, but not for the trucks and other cargo movement, which is allowed. The international airport “Mother Theresa” in Tirana is closed.  Only repatriation flights of people in/out of Albania as well as cargo flights are allowed.

All seaports are open.  There are no restrictions in handling of cargo vessels, ro-ro vessels, tankers and gas-carriers.  Ferryboats to/from Italian ports continue, but there is assumed that all vessels are ro-ro (transport of trucks only) while passengers are not allowed.

The yachts and other touristic boats are allowed in port only for supplies (bunker, water, provisions) but the crew and passengers who may be onboard are not allowed ashore.  After the supplies are received, the boat should leave the port.  For the moment the crew changes are not allowed.

The rest of ground handling of the vessels continues normally, however under additional safety measures and protocols during the commercial operations.  The surveys can be undertaken and Samer & Misa remains available and active for any assistance needed from the maritime and business community.

Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi Ports announced on 10 March that the following will take effect for three months:

• Crew changes are prohibited for vessels arriving from outside Abu Dhabi
• No shore leave is permitted, including berth and jetty unless in case of emergency and subject to approval from harbour master

Sharjah

Operational vessel movements are regular at all ports managed by Sharjah Ports Authority, but the following measures have been introduced for vessels at Sharjah ports to prevent/control the spread of COVID-19:

• Masters of all vessels to provide IMO health declaration duly signed and stamped 72 hours prior to the vessel’s arrival, along with port required pre-arrival information including last 10 port of vessel call details and crew list.
• Upon arrival of vessel into port, all crew must undergo health screening at designated facility located in ports.
• If any crew indicate any symptoms of Covid 19, authorities will take necessary actions to quarantine and further medical interrogation.
• Until completion of health screening and clearance from Port (verbal approval) no crew is permitted to go onshore (except health screening) nor any personnel are permitted to go onboard vessels.

Since 17 March, the issue of all types of visas (tourist, visit visa, mission visa & seaman visa) for embarking/disembarking crew members has been suspended/deleted from the online immigration system.

As an additional precautionary measure, effective from today (19 March), the UAE has suspended entry of residency visa holders who are currently out of the country, for a renewable period of two weeks.

The issuance of all types of labour permits, including for drivers and domestic workers, has also been temporarily suspended until further notice. This decision excludes intra-corporate transfer permits and employment permits for Expo 2020.

Crew embarkation/disembarkation and shore leave passes are strictly restricted.
Offshore attendance at Khor Fakkan port has been temporarily suspended until further notice due to COVID-19.Boarding on any vessel by vessel agents/owners/representatives and surveyors will be permitted only in exceptional circumstances and will be subject to prior approval from the Port Authority.

Therefore note at present no surveyors are being allowed to board vessels in Jebel Ali and Abu Dhabi ports.  Sharjah and Ras Al Khaimah have not yet restricted the surveyors attendance.

Fujairah

No crew will be permitted to disembark for medical assistance. Any medical assistance should seek boarding of medical team from the Fujairah Port Medical Centre.

Ras Al Khaimah

All vessels calling RAK Ports from foreign ports are required to submit the updated Maritime Declaration of Health.

• The form must be submitted to the port authority (Port Control) 72 hours before arrival at RAK Ports.
• Carry out daily temperature checks for all crew/passengers at least twice daily;
• Isolate unwell crew/passengers when his/her temperature is above 37.5 degree Celsius. The unwell crew/passengers should also wear a mask;
• Disinfect common areas and rooms in the vessel before arrival in the United Arab Emirates.

• Taiwan seamen’s entry is allowed, subject to 14 days self- quarantine.
• Foreign seaman (PRC seaman is excluded) whose condition falls within one of the following can apply for permit on the ground of performing business contracts at port:
• Work on a Taiwan flagged vessel, or
• Work on a foreign flagged vessel  (PRC flagged vessel is excluded) owned by a Taiwan owner, or
• Work on a vessel (PRC flagged vessel is excluded) that is being delivered or redelivered in Taiwan.
• Foreign seaman who applies for permit for crew change at airport shall also fit for one of the above condition. Once the application is approved, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will issue temporary visa for 21 days.  Seamen shall undergo 14 days self-quarantine after entering into Taiwan.
• Exception: Seaman (Taiwan or foreign national) disembarks from a vessel only sailing Taiwan domestic route, or does not call at foreign ports for the past 30 days, only needs to carry out sell-health management during the stay in Taiwan.

The ship stays on the road, the pilot does not perform his duties, and the rest of the crew is quarantined until receiving the test results.

The ship will be directed to the anchorage and the 14-day quarantine will be shortened by the number of days of sea voyage from the last port to arrival on the road.

If the ship is already in port and one of the crew members develops symptoms of COVID-19 virus:

If symptoms of suspected Covid-19 appear on one of the crew members on the ship already in port, he will be taken to a safe transport to the hospital for diagnosis and until the results of the tests the other crew members will be quarantined.

If there is no need for the crew to contact the port’s staff for reloading or repair, such operations

The frequency of ship inspections related to environmental compliance (sulphur, MARPOL and ballast) as carried out by the German police has been reduced.

24 March: Germany announce that security control and compliance inspections in accordance with the ISPS Code have been suspended until 30 June.

• Ports are operational and functioning  on 24/7 basis.
• The Port Authorities are operating with minimum staff members on a shift basis.
• Stevedores and dock workers are available and continue to work onboard vessels.
• The lock down has been extended until 5 May 2020.
• 14 days quarantine for vessels arriving from Chinese Port or Corona infected countries continue to remain in force
• Container Feeder vessels arriving from Colombo, Singapore and Tanjung Pelepas Port, hub ports for Bangladesh Containerised trade are exempt from 14 days quarantine.
• Screening of the crew on board by the Port Health officer and the Port Authority Medical Team is compulsory for all vessels.

Before arrival MRCC contact the Master and check if no crew members are ill on board.

The Master has an obligation to inform of whether or not symptomatic persons are on board. Failure to do so is an offense punishable by imprisonment and fine
If no suspicion, free pratique granted.

If suspicion, vessel stay at anchorage waiting for health authorities’ intervention.

An official document will be issued soon by the authorities.

All requests for special operations at Port-Reunion are under the control/approval of the authorities.

All requests are reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

Services Allowed:

• Delivery of Bunker
• Delivery of Provisions
• Delivery of Stores
• Delivery of Lube Oil
• Renewal of SSCEC
• Delivery of spares
• Disembarkation of weapons only (For PMSC)
• Embarkation of Weapons only (For PMSC)
• Vessel may or may not be boarded by Health Authorities, but clearance will be given by VHF and Email.

Services NOT Allowed:

• No crew change
• No Shore Leave
• Medical disembarkation under the strict control of the MRCC and the Health Authorities

• Restrictions on movement of individuals and cars from 1800 until 0600 and on Friday and Saturday from 1200 until 0600 of next day. For Ramadan month starting from tomorrow 24 April, restrictions from 1930 until 0600 of next day. Friday and Saturday as before
• Courts are still idle until 2/5/2020 . Most of official departments are minimum manned.
• Transport of raw materials is permitted but may be delays in discharging the vessels particularly bulk cargos.
• Ships calling Syrian ports are permitted to enter after completing disinfection procedures.

• In most of regions of the country strict quarantine regime has been imposed by the local government. Currently in all the main ports of Russia: Saint-Petersburg, Novorossiysk, Vladivostok, Kaliningrad, all South Russian Black and Azov Sea ports the above-mentioned regime is applicable.
• It does not, however, restrict the ports, port authorities and stevedoring companies from their main activities.
• In most of locations, the marine services providers, such as forwarders, agents and correspondents are to be included into the special list of licensed entities by the local government. Licensed entities allowed to continue activity within the regulated period
• From 27 March 2020 till 1 June there will be no regular flights to/from Russia (only for repatriation of the Russian citizens from abroad).
• Cargo vessels from the ports of foreign countries are allowed to berth at the Russian seaports without any problems if there are no ill people on board
• Crew changes are not recommended. They can be performed only after special approval/confirmation by the Russian Sanitary Authorities at the urgent situations such as illness of the crewmember, death of the relatives.
• In case of an incident/accident on board the vessel and necessity for seafarer’s hospitalization not connected with the cold/flu, disembarkation at the Russian port is possible in urgent situations, the seafarer will be delivered at the special hospital where they can receive medical treatment in isolation from the other patients.
• All the checkpoints across the state border of the Russian Federation, including Russian ports of Black Sea established the following for arriving vessels:Vessels with absence of risks are the vessels, arriving from epidemiologically safe countries or such are treated as safe after 14 days even arriving from risky countries: Italy, Spain, USA, Republic of Korea, Islamic Republic of Iran, China after 14 days from the date of departure from these countries. Arrival procedures are performed as usual. No sanitary and epidemiological measures are carried out on board.
• Vessels are treated as risky if they are arriving from countries: China, Italy, the Republic of Korea, the Islamic Republic of Iran and (or) persons on board arrived from these countries within the incubation period (14 days).
• If there is no suspicion of any infection of crew:Agents arrange and send specialists of the sanitary quarantine point (hereinafter SQP) of Rospotrebnadzor (state authority). The detailed information regarding vessel’s route shall be provided to agents two days before calling the port.
  Agents arrange disinfection measures, which are carried out by a specialist (disinfector) of the organization. Depending on the consideration of the Harbour Master, disinfection is carried out at outer road, also before any state control’s procedures. All pilots are wearing special protective clothes.
• After the disinfection, the SQP specialist, in personal protective equipment, gets on board the vessel, conducts medical examination; thermometry to the crew members and interviews. In most cases the analyses are taken from the crew. Currently it takes several days to obtain the results of such analyses.
• In the absence of infected crew (or supposedly infected), SQP specialist permits all types of state control and other works. All individuals arriving on board the vessel (port state control, terminal representatives and stevedores, other organizations representatives) must use personal protective equipment (masks, gloves, glasses) to carry out work onboard.
• If suspected infected crew members on board then measures are to be done at the outer road or sanitary berth.
  Novorossiysk
• As of 20 March, the list of epidemiological risk countries has been updated. If a vessel has crew members or passengers from epidemiological risk countries who boarded within the last 14 days before arrival to Novorossiysk, or if the ship has visited one of the listed epidemiological risk countries within the last 14 days, disinfection of the ship will be required upon arrival.

The current list of epidemiological risk countries is as follows:

• Disinfection is required and compulsory: China, France, Germany, Iran, Italy, Spain, The Republic of Korea
  Highly likely disinfection will be required: Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Great Britain, Greece, Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, USA.
  Disinfection can be required: Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Andorra, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Benin, Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Butane, Cambodia, Cameroon, Canada, Central African Republic, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cote d’Ivoire, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech, Dominican Republic, DR Congo, Ecuador, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Estonia, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Finland, Gabon, Gambia, Georgia, Ghana, Guatemala, Guyana, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Ireland, Israel, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kuwait, Latvia, Liberia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Maldives, Malta, Mauritania, Mexico, Moldova, Monaco, Mongolia, Montenegro, Morocco, Namibia, Nepal, New Zealand, Nigeria, North Macedonia, Oman, Pakistan, Palestine, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Republic of Guinea, Republic of the Congo, Romania, Russia, Rwanda, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Serbia, Seychelles, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Somalia, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Tanzania, Thailand, Togo, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, UAE, Ukraine, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Vatican, Venezuela, Vietnam.
  Only Group A countries are currently subject to the compulsory disinfection. Groups B) and C) as a preliminary assumption only. The final decision on the need for disinfection will be taken by the Sanitary Authority for each particular vessel, depending on the actual epidemiological situation at the time of the decision.
• After the disinfection on board all crew and passengers are subject to the medical check. Doctor must check crew temperature and general condition of the crew. If everything is good and no risks or sick persons found on board the Sanitary Doctor will confirm possibility to make Inward Clearance and obtain a full free pratique. After inward clearance formalities the vessel is allowed to perform cargo operations.

Kavkaz and Taman

• All vessels are subject to risk assessment by Health authorities on an individual basis.
  Focus is made on the 14-day incubation period and health condition of the crew.
  Shore leave may be limited for all foreign citizens (crew and passengers) at any port and any time.
  Screening on vessels arriving from any country is being conducted by Health authorities.
  Certificates of disinfection from the other countries are no longer accepted. As of 11 March 2020, no special restrictions or measures have been announced yet.
  Taman Immigration authorities have temporarily restricted shore leaves for the following persons:
• Citizens of the People Republic of China, Republic of Korea, Italy and Iran arriving as crew members.
  Crew members – foreign citizens, who visited ports of Italy, People Republic of China, Republic of Korea, and Iran during the last 14 days before arrival at Taman seaport.
  In daytime the vessels are visited by the sanitary services for identification of the crewmembers or passengers displaying symptoms compatible with the disease by temperature screening and examination. There is no screening during the night shifts.
  A list of the previous ten ports of call must be provided by Agents to Immigration authorities.
  Although there is no official requirement for a 14-day quarantine at anchorage, at the beginning of March a vessel coming from one of coronavirus-affected countries was not allowed to proceed for berthing until the expected incubation period of 14 days had expired
  Tuapse
• As of 20 March, all vessels arriving at Tuapse port are subject to a temperature screening of the crew members before commencement of the inward clearance formalities. There are no any other special measures in force.

Kaliningrad

• Crew members who arrived to Kaliningrad on the vessels that departed from High Risk countries / ports less than 14 days before their arrival to Kaliningrad are demanded to stay on board at all times while the vessel is berthed, NOT to attend shops, pharmacies and/or any public places, NOT to use public transport; to avoid contacts with others, to comply with hygiene and sanitary protection requirements (body temperature screening twice a day and keeping temperature records).
• Authorized representatives of Shipowners and their agents are held responsible for enforcement of the above requirements.
• Murmansk and Kandalaksha
• Starting from 00.00 on 16.03.2020 and until further notice all crew members returning to Russia from other countries, especially from Norway, are to undergo a compulsory medical examination through the established procedure, social withdrawal / self-imposed isolation is not considered sufficient.
• Starting from 00.00 on 17.03.2020 and until further notice, disembarkation and shore leave is prohibited to crew members having arrived on the vessels from foreign ports to the ports of Murmansk and Kandalaksha in cases where these vessels had left foreign ports less than 14 calendar days before they arrived to Murmansk / Kandalaksha. Harbor Masters of the ports are to take adequate measures to ensure implementation of the said requirements.

St Petersburg

• As of 31 March, in St. Petersburg only people aged 65+ are recommended to stay home, no further restrictions have been announced yet. Ports are operating with limitations: the vessels’ crew is not allowed to disembark while the vessel remains berthed at the ports; ship agents and surveyors are given access on board, always provided that they are properly protected by face masks and latex gloves.

Business are in general open, the ones that can send staff to work from home.

Borders are closed since April 17th, No commercial flights available, only cargo flights.

Port of Corinto situation:

Port is working normally no crew changes are allowed.

Currently small changes are faced during berthing maneuvers due to prevention of Corona virus, which consisted in the following procedure:

• Master must provide Maritime Health Declaration prior arrival.
• In case some on board faced symptoms during transit, Master must notify to port agent, who will inform Health Department officer.
• Once vessel is at anchorage area, Health Department officer will board the vessel at first.
• Once health Department officer has checked all crew member and found all in order, he will instruct Quarantine officer to board the vessel
• Health Department officer and Quarantine personnel will carry our normal inspection to the vessel and complete free practique outside.
• Once free pratique outside is completed, pilot will be allowed to board the vessel for transferring her to the berth.

Inland transportation working normally

Airport opened for cargo planes only

Surveys are being attended

No special treatment to cargo

Port of Bar operational for commercial vessels – no restriction. Surveys are performing regularly, strictly following safety measures.

Ban on commercial air traffic as well as restriction from other countries for travel is prolonged until 30 April 2020, including that day.

• The ban on repatriation of deceased persons from abroad (body or ashes) has been changed according to the Regulation of the Council of Ministers of 07.04.2020, Item 624 and it allows to repatriate of ashes of human remains from abroad and from Poland to another country.
• Polish ports continue to operate whilst respecting the health and safety of all employees, clients, crew members.
• For vessel arrivals, ports follow the guidelines and recommendations of the Sanitary Inspection and the Border Guard: Border and sanitary controls have been put in place to check all ship crew members entering ports and they are subject to mandatory body temperature checking. The procedure is carried out by the Border Guard with the assistance of the Fire Department.
• There are mandatory temperature measurements for all staff or visitors entering ports.
• Despite these restrictions Polish ports have been able to maintain full berth operations.
• The reloading operations have no substantial disruption. As the road traffic is not so busy the truck drivers move on their trucks with no delays and according to a schedule.

Further, no large-scale gatherings would be allowed during the Holy Month of Ramadan, which is expected to begin this week.

The Port of Salalah has announced that it had gone completely paperless for its operations, in part of the efforts to curb the spread of COVID-19 in Oman.

The port is no longer accepting any paper delivery orders, and the e-delivery order upload solutions have already been implemented and activated.

For a majority of shipping lines, a file transfer protocol (FTP) system has been set up, where shipping lines can upload the PDF version of delivery orders, and port officials can also assess it, the notification said.

The port authorities have also stopped accepting cash for any services offered by them and have instructed all the stakeholders to utilise the electronic payment platform only. And for collecting original bills, the port has arranged a safe dropbox to minimise physical contact.

“National Quarantine Station officers will board all vessels entering Korean ports to check crew body temperatures along with handing out ‘Health Questionnaire’ and ‘Travel Record Declaration’ to be submitted by each crew member.  Cargo operation is only allowed after the quarantine certificate is issued by the National Quarantine Station Officer.  For crew to disembark or to enter Korea, he/she must be in possession of a working personal smart phone and must install the government specified ‘Self-diagnosis Application’ on the phone. 14 day quarantine is not required for the crew.”

Djibouti ports are opened and operate as usual, however the activities within ports have reduced. Surveyors are also allowed to move to and from ports without any restrictions provided they have valid port access cards.

Once vessels arrive in Djibouti waters they remain at Anchorage until all crews on board are tested for COVID-19 by local health officers, and free pratique granted by same quarantine officers, after which the vessel is allowed to berth subject to berths availability.

Once the vessels berth alongside port piers/berths, shore people (stevedore, surveyors, agents etc.) are only allowed to board the vessels when they are in facial masks, medical gloves, and goggles.

Stevedore are available but not always adequate – as it was the case before outbreak of the pandemic.

Crews are not subjected to any discrimination and are treated with dignity and respect, although for now they are not allowed to be disembarked for treatment ashore.

Crew change is also prevented at the moment as the government has suspended international flights (arrivals and departures) since March the 18th 2020 until further notice.

There are disinfectants / cleaning liquid soaps placed inside washrooms /toilets at designated normal locations within ports. Shore people do not wash /sanitize their hands during their entry to ports and such cleaning/sanitization are done by shore people within ports on a voluntary basis.

Disembarkation of passengers from cruise vessels is prohibited.

Any crew change or crew disembarkation either in or out of port irrespective of type of vessel is prohibited.

In case that vessel crew needs to conduct inspections that require its members to disembark, this is only allowed given that:
– Only one member of vessel crew will disembark;
– Inspection will be short in time; and
– Corresponding agent has already notified accordingly DP World Limassol in order to remove staff operating at the vicinity and Ports & Marine Police in order its members to monitor the process until its completion.

Vessel maintenance works (i.e. painting, washing, etc.) that needs to be conducted from quay are prohibited

In case of medical emergency incident regarding passenger or crew member on board vessel, either at anchorage area or in the port, shipping agents exceptionally and only due to the medical incident will be eligible to proceed to the appropriate arrangements only following consultation with Medical Services that will take over the transportation and treatment of patient.

No one is allowed to embark on any vessel for any reason apart of conducting activities related to cargo operations and by not having any interaction with crew members while vessel Master is obliged to retreat/isolate crew under his commandSpecifically, entities allowed to embark vessels are the following:

• Stevedores / United Stevedoring Company’s staff
• Lashers / Un-lashers
• Surveyors (embarkation allowed only for conducting operations monitoring activities – administrational tasks must take place remotely)

In these cases, embarkation is only allowed following isolation of crew at the accommodation of the vessel declared in writing to DP World Limassol by corresponding agent.

Provisions/Supplies: As per Medical & Public Health Services guidelines, crew must remain isolated in accommodation. Vessel Master carries the responsibility to verify to DP World Limassol via the corresponding agent that there won’t be any interaction between the crew members and shore staff. It’s taken for granted that the providers/vendors/ staff must place provisions along quay near the receipt point to be indicated and following their departure the crew will be allowed to receive provisions. This to be confirmed by the on-duty officer of Marine & Ports Police who will be supervising the area.

The port of Pointe Noire is opened to the containers and general cargo ships. Commercial operations tend to be carried out as usual.

The conditions of access are regulated with the passage of health services on board for a systematic control of the sanitary situation of the crew on the harbour before berthing.

Health Services are sending their agents prior Pilot arrival for sanitary inspection (using thermoflash). If any crew member gives indication of contamination, the vessel won’t be authorized to operate in Pointe Noire.

A list of last ports visited is to be sent to the Port Authority 48 hours before arrival.

There is no lack of stevedore.

Crew changes are currently prevented as the Congolese Government suspended international flights from 20.03.2020 until further notice. Furthermore, no shore passes are issued.

Ports are opened to the containers and general cargo ships but are closed to passenger’s vessel. Ports (Matadi, Boma and Banana) are operational as usual with precaution against contamination of the COVID-19.

There is currently no lack of stevedores which are working 24 hours a day including weekends.

Crew changes are currently prevented by the closure of the boarders. Shore leave is prohibited.

• Ship Pre arrival notification
• Crew list
• Last 10 ports of visit
• Marine declaration form (to be filled out and singed by the ship Master)
• Health Declaration form (to be filled out by all incoming vessels, crew or passengers from infected countries or passing through any of the infected countries as per WHO guidelines within the last 14 days)
• Cruise calls are suspended until further notice.

Personnel Travel

Entry to Bahrain is restricted to Bahraini citizens, residents and few other special categorized personnel.
From above category – those who has travelled to the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Republic of Iraq or the Lebanese Republic in the 14 days preceding their arrival in the Kingdom will immediately be taken to undergo enhanced testing procedures as a preventative measure for coronavirus (COVID-19) and will be subject to quarantine.

From above category – those who are arriving from any other country will be taken to undergo enhanced testing procedures as a preventative measure for coronavirus (COVID-19) and self-isolation for a period of 14 days.

All who end the 14 days in self-isolation (quarantine) should take another test at Bahrain exhibition center as per MOH as a precautionary measure.

Visa on arrival facility shall be suspended until further notice with effect from 0300 hours on 18/3/2020 with the exception of Diplomats.

Border crossing (Bahrain/Saudi) on the causeway has been temporarily suspended.

Additional information (decisions from Bahrain Cabinet as reported by the local newspaper):

• Legal action will be taken against anyone who exposes others to infections and refrains from implementing any mandatory measure to prevent the virus from spreading – including failure to commit to home quarantine – and:
• Violators will be jailed up to three months and/or fined from BD1,000 to BD10,000 – as per Law 34 of 2018 on Public Health.
• Citizens were urged to take maximum precautions and avoid any recklessness in implementing measures in light of the virus outbreak in several parts of the world.

• Measures implemented by the Government include that schools and educational institutions have been closed, restrictions have been applied to public meetings, travel and border crossing, and the capacity of social and health care services are being increased. These restrictions will be in force until 13 May.
• The Government also restricted traffic and movement between the Uusimaa region and Finland’s other regions during the period of 27 March – 15 April 2020.
• Passenger traffic restricted in ports, airports and borders.
• Free movement of goods still applies and working as usual.

7 April: All borders were closed on 21 March for a period of 30 days. Since 23 March, Philip Goldson International Airport has been closed to international passenger flights.
A curfew is in effect from 20:00 to 05:00.

21 April: The 20:00 to 05:00 curfew will remain in force until 30 April.

• They are crew of a Taiwan flagged vessel
• They are crew from a foreign flagged vessel belonging to a Taiwan owner
• Their vessel is calling for comprehensive repair work
• The vessel is being delivered and redelivered in Taiwan
• They disembark from a vessel sailing Taiwan domestic routing, or one which has berthed at
• Taiwan port(s) for 30 days without calling foreign ports. Crew’s departure flight information must be advised.
• All of above conditions exclude PR China flagged vessels and Chinese crew members.

For conditions 1-4, foreign crews must apply for permit under the purpose of business contract, and accepted crew must follow a 14 days period of home quarantine after entry to Taiwan. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will issue temporary visa for 21 days, and the port agent or principal must arrange direct transport to the airport or vessel for departure after 14 days quarantine. For condition No.5, the port agent or principal must also arrange direct transport from the vessel to the airport or vessel for departure.

Alternatively, crew shall follow self-health management measure (record of temperature twice a day, wear face mask at public places) upon the short stay in Taiwan.

For foreign crew (excluding those from China, Hong Kong, Macau) qualified to apply for landing/shore, ship owner or master must provide the documents in advance to apply for a crew shore pass:

a) Port call record for previous 14 days
b) Daily record of crew body temperature (must be approved/stamped by Taiwan Centers for disease control)
c) “Novel Coronavirus Prevention Health Declaration Card” – for travel history and health condition
After berthing, the captain should take the body temperature measurement of all crew and complete a health declaration card. If any crew members is displaying possible 2019 n-Cov symptoms, it must be reported immediately. Requests for entry for medical attention will be determined on a case-by-case basis by Immigration and Quarantine officials.

As Taiwan has no quarantine restriction for incoming discharge vessels, it may be convenient for the arrangement of provisions supplies.

Non-essential vessels are not allowed to enter the seaport.

The above measures remain in force and a state of emergency remains in force until 2 May.

• Vessels that have been granted free pratique are permitted to land garbage onshore which is required to be transferred in completely closed bags and has been sorted according to type.
• Once landed, the bags and temporary storage area are to be disinfected prior to being sent to disposal facilities.
• The disposal of masks, gloves and other hygiene materials is permitted in small quantities. These items must be placed in a tear-resistant garbage bag which is then placed in a secondary bag. Once landed, the bags are to be stored in the temporary storage area for at least 72 hours prior to being sent for disposal.
• The garbage from vessels that have not be granted free pratique is to be landed as medical waste.

• All flights from and to Spain and Italy are suspended, with exception of  diplomatic and armed forces, mail and cargoes, as well as humanitarian or medical.
  Road, railroad and river transportation suspended on Portuguese borders with exemptions.
• All airspace within EU and Schengen areas will be closed to international flights with destination to EU + Schengen area or departing from, with some minor exceptions.
• All shore-leaves permits are suspended to all crewmembers within Portuguese ports.
• On a case by case basis, and upon advice of Health Maritime Authority it may be authorized crew changes or disembarks with repatriation purposes by Immigration Office and Local Port Captaincy.
• Passenger vessels will not be authorized to disembark any guests/crewmembers/staff. Licenses to go ashore also will not be granted. Exception is made to Portuguese Citizens living in Portugal wishing to debark at our ports.  Cruise vessels still may call Portuguese ports and to carry on provisions, fresh water and other supplies, as well as to perform bunkering operations.
• All persons arriving to Portugal by sea; air or ground borders may be subject to quarantine for 14 days in hotel. This containment measure may suffer some adjustments by Regional Health Authorities.
• Vessels not performing commercial calls may be prevented entry into Portuguese ports. On a case by case basis, and upon advice of Health Maritime Authority, Local Port Captaincy may authorized it to enter and carry on provisions, fresh water and other supplies, as well as to perform bunkering operations.
• No crew changes will be allowed.

Vessels calling Portuguese ports under commercial calls (cruise and passenger ships are exempted):

• For commercial calls,  vessels are allowed to enter and berth in order to perform commercial ops (load/discharge) with no delays or minor delays on account of terminals/vessels contingency plans.
• Health Maritime Declaration must be sent prior vessel’s arrival, at least with 24 hrs in advance and with new Health Maritime Declaration sent on arrival day.
  Pilotage, towage services and linesmen are working normally, with some contingency plans of their owns.
• Crew Shore leave is suspended.
• Crew changes by primary rule are not allowed. However, same may be required and are subjected to advice of local Health Authorities which will review it on a case by case manner.
• In some ports, some terminals (on account of its contingency plans) do not allow visitors, crew change nor provisions & supplies by shore side. In these situations launch boat is the only alternative to serve vessels needs by sea side.
• Contact between Officers and Crew with terminal staff, surveyors and agents are kept to a minimum possible.
• At present moment there aren’t ports/terminals closed or restricted.

The Portuguese Government have extended the state of emergency until 24:00 on 2 May and the above containment measures will remain in force until 14 May.

• all ships registered in the Croatian Registry;
• all ships calling the Croatian ports due to transport of goods;
  passenger ships without passengers, calling the Croatian ports due to lay-up in Croatian port;
• all ships arriving to the shipyards for maintenance or repairs.
• All persons onboard ships that are permitted to call at Croatian ports are subject to measures imposed by local authorities. Ships may  be subjected to a sanitary health inspection and disinfection (including cargo).
• on entry into Croatian territorial waters ships will be contacted by the national VTS by radio. The VTS will then advised the national authorities on the ship’s arrival. In addition to this, the Master is required to provide the local agent with a crew list which includes the port and date of embarkation. This will then be passed to the relevant authorities.

For vessels that have a case of suspected COVID 19 infection:

• the ship will be denied entry to respective port until health condition of persons on board the ship is assessed by sanitary inspectors.
• if a case is confirmed prior to departure from a Croatian port, infected person(s) will be disembarked and provided required medical assistance under applicable safety protocols.
• if the vessel departs the prior to receiving test results, the Master and the next port of call will be informed of the laboratory result, when available, as well as on potential confirmation of infection for the respective person(s).

Port State Control inspections are suspended with exceptions while Flag State inspections will be carried out if there are no infected persons onboard and subject to a strict risk assessment.

1. Port of Port Moresby
2. Port of Lae
3. Port of Madang, and
4. Port of Rabaul.

There will be no shore leave by crew of all international vessels and voyage calling into all PNG Ports and port facilities.

There will be a suspension of crew change in all PNG ports facilities for foreign crew.
No crew is allowed on the quayside of PNG port facilities.

No personnel form the portside are allowed on board any international vessel apart from those performing statutory function and relevant stevedores who must be in PPE.

All statutory function undertaken by receiving PNG port personnel should be done strictly with the PNG Department of Health guideline and appropriate PPE.

All cruise vessels and super yacht and any passenger movement via any sea craft are banned from entering any PNG port or port facilities.

All log ships and log ponds must sign a Declaration of Security (DoS) for loading at the log ponds, including port facilities occasioning used for serving international vessels.

Contactless stevedoring including segregation of ship’s crew and shore personnel during loading and unloading must be strictly observed.

All shipping documents must be electronically dispatched where possible.

Any person on any vessel who decides to disembark will have to undergo a 14 day mandatory quarantine in a facility nominated by the Controller.

PNG port facilities cover PNG Ports Corporation Limited (PNGPCL) ISPS Port facilities, Private ISPS Port Facilities and facilities occasionally serving international vessels under a Declaration of Security (DoS). Deliberate failure to comply with this Direction and Notice is a breach of this regulation and can warrant a fine of up to K50,000.00 for individuals and up to K500,000.00 for companies or jail time for offending individuals.

The National Certificate of On Board Sanitary Control, which should not be confused with Free Pratique, is the national equivalent to the Ship Sanitation Control Certificate (SSC) implemented by the World Health Organization and replaces the previous Deratting Certificates.

The National Certificate of On Board Sanitary Control has a validity of 180 days, and should be carried by the Brazilian flagged vessels during exclusively national transit, and inhabited platforms.

Otherwise, ports, airports and cargo handling facilities continue to function normally despite the reduced workforce.

The supply of bunkers, stores and spare parts remains steady, while health measures at port facilities and terminals have been stepped up, with some of them denying entry of out-of-town professionals in non-essential assignments.

Ships that have called in their last 10 calls or within last 14 days to certain countries are required to provide a body temperature list for all the crew members on board for the last 3 days before allowing anyone to board the vessel. Inchcape provide a list under the Turkey section: https://www.iss-shipping.com/pages/coronavirus-port-country-implications

Turkish Straits: ships called to any of the listed country ports in their last 10 calls within last 14 days are allowed receive provisions, but no crew change and technician attendance is allowed. During supply operations no one is allowed to board the vessel.
Nationals of countries not on the list can embark but subject to further checks such as flight availability, health conditions etc but no disembarkation is allowed.

Ships coming from a foreign port and bound to a shipyard at Yalova or Tuzla will be quarantined for 14 days before granting free pratique.  Pilotage service at Turkish Straits is given only 20 mins between each to minimise the number of pilots serving.
All ships must pass sanitary inspections before Turkish Straits passages and required to send MDOH and last 10 ports of call list and crew temperature list to the related sanitary office while entering territorial waters.

Minor delays are applicable in granting free pratique as all the vessels are boarded by the sanitary officers during arrival clearances in order to check the situation on the spot and upon their confirmation other clearances are allowed.

Any disembarking crew and passengers to be isolated for 14 days before allowed to leave the country if crew do not have any COVID19 symptoms
No shore leave allowed.

Vessels arriving to any Istanbul port must be disinfected by the Ministry of Health approved companies. No official tariff has been announced

All husbandry services have been suspended at the Tupras Terminals at Tutunciftlik and Aliaga until further notice, due to the outbreak of Covid-19.

Due to congestion at sanitary inspection in the Izmit region, customs control will not performed between the hours of 00:01 to 08:00 local time. Depending on terminal programmes, vessels can drop anchor at the Izmit anchorage area or berth at terminals upon arrival. However, if they arrive between 00:01 LT and 08:00, they will have to wait until 08:00 for customs control.

All vessels calling at Derince Safi Terminal must be disinfected. The tariff for this compulsory disinfection will be as follows, charged to each vessel until further instructions:

0-5,000 GT: USD 500
5,001-10,000 GT: USD 700
10,001-15,000 GT: USD 1,000
15,001 GT and above: USD 1,500

The country has imposed travel restrictions to foreign nationals with certain exceptions and has banned all cruise vessels calling at any Georgian ports.

All ships calling at Georgian ports shall at least 24 hours before calling the port submit Maritime Health Declaration together with its Annexes. The Harbour Master and port authorities are to be advised if there are any changes to the health of persons onboard after the declaration has been submitted.

If a Ship, her Crew or Passengers entered the countries considered to be High Risk countries (i.e. Peoples Republic of China, Islamic Republic of Iran, Republic of Korea, Italy, Germany, France, Spain, Switzerland, Norway, Denmark or Austria) within last 21 days, they will be subject to Thermal Screening by the authorized officers of Customs Department of the Revenue Service of Georgia.If a case of COVID 19 has been declared or is identified during the screening process, all possible contact will be restricted with the vessel according to the recommendations issued by the World Health Organisation.

Pilots acting in Georgian ports must use personal safety equipment while going on-board of all ships, including: Masks, Single Use Gloves and Safety Glasses.

Harbour Master office requests all crew to put on masks and PPE required for the prevention of spread of virus before meeting with pilot embarking on the weather deck.

The Bridge team are also required to put on masks during pilotage. All vessels should follow this guideline closely.

Foreign seafarers are not permitted to enter the country. However Taiwanese seafarers are permitted and are required to undergo a 14 day home quarantine once they have entered the country.

A summary of present measures in force in Taiwan are:

• Ports are open and operational with necessary restrictions
• Crew changes are not permitted
• Crew are  only permitted to leave the vessel in exceptional circumstances
• For vessels that have called at a high risk area and have crew showing symptoms of COVID 19, the Master is to report this to Taiwan Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) via the local Agent immediately.

Mandatory quarantine imposed in all Argentina territory has been extended for a third period until 27th April. Urgent services concerning international trade exempted.

Port/ships operations continue.

Restrictions: apply depending on ship’s previous ports, pre-arrival health information, transit time, etc. Despite of the National Protocol which does not provide for quarantine of those vessels calling from any port with less than 14 days with no symptoms on board (and medical/port/crew records to the satisfaction of Health Authorities) various parties in different ports are takin a different approach, as far as we know as follows:Necochea & Bahia Blanca ports: Health Authorities request ships calling from “affected areas” a 14-day transit form last port of call. Stevedores,  however, refuse to provide services to any ship calling with less than 14 days transit time. Due to conflict with stevedores some terminals may operate with restrictions (working hours).

San Nicolas port (public berths): port authorities request ships calling a 14-day transit time from any previous port.

Surveyor attendance: Still attending but every day becoming more restricted the availability of surveyors to go on board.

“Affected areas”: EU members, Schengen members, UK and North Ireland, United States of America, Korea, Japan, China, Iran, Chile and Brazil.

The country’s ports and terminals are exempt from the lockdown as they are considered essential services. As such, operations at ports and terminals (including LNG & bulk cargo) at Port Qasim, Karachi and Gwadar are running smoothly without interruption, with critical/essential staff, as per their COVID-19 response plans to ensure business continuity. However, there may be delays in operations.

The National Port Authority and APM Terminals Liberia at Monrovia port advise that all port users within the commercial and operational area of all seaports within Liberia such as, stevedores, cargo surveyors, boarding Agent, Supervisors, Tally Clerks, crane Operators, field Managers, vessels’ crews, are advised to take strict health practices or measure to ensure the washing of hand, usage of face mask and wearing of glove as a safe measure set by the ministries of health.

All vessel crews are not allowed to leave the vessel while the vessel is in port. However, all seaport operations are ongoing within Liberia such as:

1. Disembarkation of stowaway from vessels
2. Disembarkation of Sick Crew Members
3. Loading and offloading of vessels operations

15 April: On the 10 April the Government of Liberia declared a 21 day state of emergency in four counties (Montserrado, Nimba, Grand Kru and Margibi) and put the rest of the country into a 14 day quarantine. Only essential business and government offices remain open and they close at 15:00 at the latest each day.

Ports remain open and commercial operations continue to take place.

All ship pre-arrival documents, in particular the crew list and the Maritime Declaration of Health (MDoH) form, shall be authorized by the captain of the ship;

If there is a report of a sick person after sending the first MDoH form, a new form shall be drawn up and sent to the MAS;

If on arrival of the ship at the light ship (LS) buoy the shipping agent is informed by the crew that a sick person is on board, the he shall pass this information to the MAS/Vessel Traffic Control (VTC) and the Public Health Department (BOG), through the emergency number 178, without delay; and

It is prohibited to transport sick crew member to the doctor without prior authorization of BOG

On March 25, 2020 The Maritime Authority Suriname (MAS) provide this precaution in order to preventing and/or mitigating the transmission of the COVID-19 to pilots:

Prior to the pilots bearding the vessel, the bridge and equipment must be sanitized including as well as the pilots’ chair, door handles, piloting stations and open bridge wings, radars, chart tables, etc.

Port health and the Port authorities must be advised on the health status of all persons onboard as outlined in the pre-arrival documentations.

The pilot must be escorted by one person to and from the bridge.

Pilots will not greet with the customary handshake any shipboard personnel.

Non-essential crew members should have kept out of the bridge while the vessel is being piloted.

Where possible, systems should be put in place to allow the vessel to be piloted from the wings.

Vessel Captains will be allowed to enter or depart the harbor without a pilot whenever possible

All shipboard personnel must maintain a distance of at least two meter from the pilot. This space should also be maintained during Master/Pilot information exchange.

The Decree 4.186 published on April 12, 2020 extended the State of Alarm for thirty (30) days in the national territory.

The document established a series of prohibitions which are compulsory, fines or penalties will apply in case any violation:

People who enter to the island will be isolated (quarantine) including permanent residents.

Activities which involved more than fifteen (15) people simultaneously.

Economic and commercial activities are suspended, with the exception of supermarkets, service stations, pharmacies and establishments dedicated for the provision of food or beverages.

The use of protective equipment to prevent COVID-19 infection (gloves and masks); it is recommended to maintain a minimum separation of 1.5 meters from another person.

In relation to the Maritime activities, the ports are open, but operating with minimal personnel and in shorter period of time. A protocol for the all type of ships calling St. Eustatius Port was implemented. All Masters entering the waters of the Island will be subject to a series of questions by the authorities focussing on crew list, the last 10 ports visited especially in the past 4 weeks and the submission of a Maritime Health Declaration. Ships that do not meet requirements will be placed in quarantine for 15 days. Direct contact between the different authorities and / or port personnel with any member of the ship is reduced to a minimum, and all persons must carry the respective personal protective equipment at all times. No crewmember is allowed to disembark; crew change is also forbidden.

Surveys or inspections within or outside Maltese Territorial Waters:

• With immediate effect surveyors, technicians and other personnel will not be allowed to interact with vessels.
• Embarkation/disembarkation of personnel on board sea-going vessels within or outside territorial waters will not be permitted.
• Surveyors and similarly designated personnel may operate from onboard local bunkers barges or service boats BUT not transfer to the sea-going vessels.
• In certain circumstances these restrictions may be lifted if both Maltese Governmental departments (Port Heath and Port Operations) give consent and specific safety instructions are followed.

Surveys or inspections in port:

• If a vessel is granted permission to enter Maltese Ports, interaction with surveyors is only permitted if  both Maltese Governmental departments (being Port Heath and Port Operations) consent.
• In general, attendance onboard will only be allowed once the crew have undergone a 14 day quarantine period. Otherwise a person boarding a vessel may be subject to a 14 day quarantine period themselves.
• Special authorisation may be given in an extraordinary situation e.g. fire or accident onboard, oil spillage etc.

Authorized specialists, freight and medical services between Aruba, Bonaire, St Maarten, St Eustatius and Saba are exceptions to the rules

Curacao Port Authority (CPA) has confirmed on April 9th, 2020 the continuity of following measures:

• Vessel traffic has been restricted to only cargo, repair and bunkering supply.
• A protocol regarding the COVID 19 has to be accomplished 72hrs prior vessel arrival.
• The Master has to send the Health Declaration during this period.
• Vessels calling the container or breakbulk terminals should follow measures from Curacao Port Authority.
• No disembarking is allowed of any crewmember from vessel at berth, unless there is a medical emergency in that case the communication will be at first instance through the emergency numbers.
• Spares parts or shipments sent to vessels and landed for export can still be delivered in port and off port taking in consideration the altered scheduled of the transportation by air and sea cargo.

• Vessels are permitted to call to Mesaieed port, except for those calling directly from Iranian ports, which are subject to 14 days’ waiting period before being allowed entry.
• All vessels must submit Corona Virus declaration, Maritime Declaration of Health, Master’s
• Declaration, Last 10 Port of call and crew list & temperature reading of all onboard 72 hours before arrival/berthing and resubmit 48, 24, 12, 6 and 3 hours prior to arrival.
• If any crew are suspected of COVID 19 infection, the port shall contact the medical authorities for assistance and testing. After clearance, vessels are being permitted to berth.
• Entry into the country has been suspended for all nationalities except for Qataris. No shore leave is permitted, including berth and jetty, unless in case of emergency and subject to approval from Port Management. No crew changes are authorised until further notice.

Hamad Port

• All vessels to submit Declaration form with Pre – Arrival Information 72/48/24 Hours prior arrivals
• No other requirement officially announced so far

Ras Laffan Port

• All vessel calling Ras Laffan, Maritime Health Declaration normally need to be submitted to regulation department 72 Hrs prior to arrival, in addition Master need to update & resubmit MDH 24 Hours prior berthing also.
• If vessel arriving directly from China or called in china, the quarantine period commences on departure China, Ras Laffan port regulation will review the departure date from China and berth if vessel completed 15 days of quarantine period before calling Qatar.
• If any crew onboard suspected with Corona Virus, Ministry of Health will attend the vessel for inspection, pilot will board once Ministry of Health approved to board.
• Off signers from foreign vessels should attend screening inside port. All off signers should wear mask & gloves upon leaving from vessel till they exit from Qatar.
• Crew arriving from Halul island or area operating directly by QP should complete Corona virus screening inside Ras Laffan port.
• On Signers will screen at Hamad International airport only
• A list of off-signers should be prepared for all those who hold a valid Qatar seaman visa, completed their stay inside country above 40 days, mentioning their sign-on date, and sent to [email protected] for submission to Port/Immigration authorities at the earliest. Port & Immigration are instructed to complete the sign-off of crew members staying above 40 days at a time from a vessel or cancel all sign-off till situation back to normal.
• While booking exit flight ticket, make sure airline will accept the crew members to board the flight, otherwise crew will be stuck inside the country and the Immigration department will take necessary action against crew/agents/vessel owners. Crew members are not permitted to stay in a hotel and wait for exit flight.
• No more seaman or business visa application are being accepted by the Immigration Department till further notice.

Duqm Port

• Port remains operational. All ships calling at the Port of Duqm are requested through their agent in addition to the standard vessel registration and notification, to submit the IMO Declaration of Health together with the declaration/questionnaire in annex of this document. These documents should be signed by the master of the vessel and send by email to [email protected].
• In case of a negative declaration of the master of the vessel (no sickness on board), the vessel will enter the harbor following the standard procedure, pilot and the doctor of MOH (Ministry of Health) will board the vessel at the pilot station.
• The doctor of MOH will inspect the vessel prior to any operation, entry or leave to the said vessel.
• Once the inspection is finished, operations can start considering all necessary precautionary sanitary measures.
• In case of positive declaration of the master, the vessel will not be allowed to enter the port and must go at anchor. The respective sick crew member(s) will be screened by the doctor of MOH and medical team of Port of Duqm.
• In case positive to COVID19, the vessel will have to stay in quarantine and the master must follow the instructions of the MOH.
• The crew of vessels calling Port of Duqm within a period less than 14 days will remain in quarantine during stay at the port. No shore leaves nor physical interaction with operation workers is allowed.
• Agents are requested to follow the guidelines of the Ministry of Health in case of crew change.
• Crew shore leave is not allowed.
• Port users are requested to avoid physical contact with crew members, to wear masks on board the vessels and use disinfecting product to wash hands after visiting the vessels.
• The MOH and HM Office to be contacted in case of any suspicious situation concerning the Corona Virus in the Port area and on board the vessels in within the Port Limits.

Container Terminal:

1. Manning and resources deployment continue as normal.
2. Vessel operations continue as normal.
3. Gate operations continue as normal.

General Cargo Terminal:

1. Dry / liquid bulk operations continue as normal.
2. Manning and resources continue as normal.
3. Dhow operations continue as normal.
4. Garbage services are suspended for the time being.

Marine services:

1. Port health doctor will check all vessels on berthing and grant free pratique prior to start of any cargo operations.
2. Cavotec mooring systems are not available until mid-May. All vessels to berth with minimum 4×2 lines fore and aft.
3. Cruise vessel calls limited to bunkering at anchorage.
4. Marine operations continue as normal.
5. Crew Change is not permitted.

Operations continue at Port Louis, under specific procedures for vessels calling at anchorage and quay for cargo/bunkering operations.

For bunkering and spares delivery at anchorage, fresh documents must be provided 24 hours ahead of ETA. Green light will be granted to vessel to call at anchorage for bunkering and pick up of spares only if:

• there is no disembarkation of crew members while at anchorage.
• there is no human interaction between crew members and operators during loading of bunker and spares.

At no point should agents and operators involved in loading of bunker and spares board the ship or ship crew member board the bunker barge.

The airport remains closed until further notice.

1. All ships are obligated to spray with sterilizers before entering port, to include spraying the deck, accommodation and the stairwell.
2. After that, the medical personnel will board the ship with camera and modern examination equipment for crew medical examination.
3. Ship’s certificates will be checked, followed by a report sent to the Executive Chairman of the Yemen Gulf of Aden Ports Corporation on the condition of the ship.
4. If the ship is found to be infected, it willbe directed to leave port immediately.
5. Ship’s ladder shall not be descended while ship at berth.
6. Ship’s crew shall not be allowed to land from ship to jetty.
7. Ships shall remain at anchorage for a week before they are allowed to enter port.
8. Dhows and sailing boats are banned from port entry.
9. Masks and gloves will be provided to all port workers and employees on a daily basis.
10. All port departments and buildings will be sprayed and sterilized.

• All ports/terminals in India, handling liquid bulk cargoes; are working with nominal resources – due to lockdown conditions prevailing in the country.
• Storage space at all Liquid Terminals/Tankages at most of the Ports are understood to be critical due to slow evacuation.
• Vessels arriving with chemical cargoes mainly ACETIC ACID and TOLUNE are facing increased delays due to non-availability of space & slow evacuation of previous cargoes already in storage tanks. AMMONIA, HSD and LPG too are understandably facing storage constraints.
• Latest guidance issued by the Home Ministry, Government of India (Office of the Home Secretary in New Delhi) – instructing all State Government authorities and other facilitating agencies to ensure – free movement of all essential goods to /from Ports, Intra & Inter-State movement of trucks etc. without any hindrances. There is reported ambiguity surrounding the definitions of ‘essential’ and ‘non-essential’ commodities is lending impediments to the whole logistics process.
• A severe shortage of workers and transport in clearing of cargo (Both Dry & Liquid) from Ports continue to slowdown operations at ports/Terminals, considerably – this is despite the Ports in India facing no lockdown restrictions.
• Berthing delay for Vessels (Especially on the E/C Indian Ports, mainly HALDIA, PARADIP, KPATNAM) remains high due to more vessels lining up for berthing and turnaround time getting extended.

A night-time curfew (6pm – 6am) is in place.If a vessel is calls to Libya from a country that has recorded COVID-19 cases, the vessel will go into quarantine for 14 days at anchorage.   The quarantine period starts to count from the date the vessel sailed from previous port of call. Thereafter, it will undergo an inspection by the Health Ministry.  If it is found “clean”, it will then be permitted to enter the port.

The courts in Libya have postponed most cases until June and only urgent matters are being dealt with.27 March: All ports are working normally and safely however due to the present Covid situation port authority issued new instruction with regards to port entry and direct contact with ship crew, as such please note the following:

• all vessel are allowed to berth upon arrival as usual provided availability of a berth, except vessel carrying automobiles and or livestock which should stay 14 day as quarantine
• upon vessel arrival port pilot station, quarantine committee is to be first one to board the vessel to check out crew medical condition, if all negative then vessel to be allowed to enter with Pilot using Radio communication facility on tug boats assistance
• it is prohibited for crew to leave the vessel or get in contact with any of the stevedores or any person from a shore
• if master is unable to enter the port without pilot on board then vessel to wait 14 days at anchor or it is to the discretion of pilot to board the vessel wearing with all protective clothes

10 April:

Embarkation onto any ship has been banned for everyone including pilots and immigration officers etc.  The pilot must perform his work via the VHF while he is on board the pilot tug.

If the master refuses to enter port without a pilot onboard, then the pilot may go onboard the ship after taking safety measures (wearing the dedicated clothes, mask, gloves etc).  In case the pilot is unable to do that and the master still refuses to enter the port without the pilot, then the ship must wait at the anchorage area for 14 days before entering the port.

The crew are not permitted to leave the ship except for emergency cases.  In an emergency, any action should be taken only via the health authority.

All ship agents must provide the following:

• a list of the last ten ports visited by the ship;
• a crew list which should include the date of sign on;
• a declaration signed by the ship’s master stating the situation on board the ship in relation to coronavirus.

All required paper work must be done electronically.

At least two towage tugs must be hired for berthing.

A final declaration must be given by the health authority.

Disposing of any waste is prohibited while the ship in port.

• Vessels may not enter port prior to Free Pratique being granted by Health Control at anchorage.
• Pilots must use protective equipment (masks, gloves, etc.).
• No garbage disposal.
• Crew changes are not authorised. The airport is closed.
• Crew should stay on board their vessel. No shore passes are being given to crew.
• Curfew in force from 21.00 to 05.00 hours.

Required documentation:

• Health Maritime Declaration
• Ship Sanitation Certificate
• Water Analysis Certificate
• Phytosanitary + Fumigation-Pest Control Certificate required for vessels carrying grains

• All trade vessels calling local ports will be required to submit list of previous 10 port calls as well as crew list and other documents
• Vessels will be cleared at anchorage and screening will be done
• Vessels will not be put on quarantine unless required by the health authorities and will determine if cargo operations can be conducted.
• Fumigation of vessels is mandatory.
• Crew changes and shore leave not permitted

will be authorized to enter the port.

As part of the preventive measures taken within port operations, it was indicated that all persons boarding ships should wear nitrile gloves and masks.

Port operations continue on a regular basis, but the personnel required to physically work at the port will be limited to critical personnel. Likewise, crew changes and temporary passes to access the terminals are suspended until further notice.

Since 15 March, there has been a ban entry of any citizen regardless of nationality to enter Cyprus. The travel ban has been extended until 18 April 2020.

Courts are permitting entry to their premises for urgent matters only and most hearings have been postponed.

All surveyors and agents have been advised by the Cyprus Ports Authority that they are not permitted to go onboard vessels if they can carry out their work electronically (e.g. dealing with forms).  Those who must attend onboard (e.g. for loading/discharge operations, taking samples etc) must do so only once the Master confirms in writing to the relevant port authority that the crew will be isolated and kept away from those going onboard.

No crew changes are permitted (embarkation / disembarkation) within the territorial waters of the Republic of Cyprus.

On 24th March 2020 from 18.00 hours, Cyprus imposed the prohibition of all unnecessary travel within the Republic of Cyprus unless it is to attend work or to source vital supplies. This has now been extended until 30 April 2020.  There is also a full night curfew between the hours of 9pm to 6am.

DP World Limassol Port: All trade enabling activities at the terminal are being carried out as normal, while assuring that all steps are being taken to protect the port community.

The Government has declared the airport, airspace and all sea and land borders as closed for passengers as from Wednesday 18th March until 26 April, except for UNIFIL (United Nations Interim Force In Lebanon), diplomatic missions and cargo aircraft.

Ports in Lebanon will be closed to passengers, but cargo is still permitted entry.

The measures applied at the Lebanese ports for commercial vessels consists of members of the Ministry of Health attending onboard the vessels arriving from countries at risk and prior to their berthing checking the body temperatures of all crewmembers onboard to verify whether any of them are suffering from any of the symptoms of the coronavirus (COVID-19).  Depending on the findings of the Ministry’s representatives, measures are decided on a case-by-case basis.

The Chilean Customs Authority has issued Resolution 1179 covering a number of special procedures to avoid in-person formalities in the light of the COVID19 virus situation. Article 1, Nos. 3 and 7, allows the OBL holder to surrender it to the carrier or his agent as a scanned copy sent by email. The carrier or his agent then returns the facsimile referred to above, also by email, facsimile which is used to obtain release of the cargo from Customs. The party surrendering the OBL is required to forward the OBL (hard copy) to the carrier or his agent within 30 days of receiving the facsimile. A similar procedure applies to correction of OBLs. Resolution 1179 will remain in force until revoked by a similar Resolution issued by Customs.

• On-site inspection will be maintained mostly for foreign vessels identified as High Priority (P1) under regional PSC MOUs; Time onboard and interactions with crew will be minimized as much as possible during these on-site inspections
• For other selected vessels (including foreign tankers identified as Medium Priority (P2)), verification done through document review – with the possibility of on-site inspection, if document review not satisfactory
• If a ship cannot fulfil convention/statutory requirement despite best efforts (e.g.: challenges to revalidate seafarer or ship certificates or delays in completing required audit, surveys, repairs, etc),  TC will take a pragmatic approach to compliance – in accordance with the Paris and Tokyo MOUs guidance on PSC inspections under COVID-19 situation – assessing situation on a case by case basis.

For Asian Gypsy Moth (AGM) inspections, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) are to conduct non-compliant inspections (at anchorage) and import inspections at a particular rate based on risk. Other measures may include requesting additional information prior to inspections to reduce the amount of time spent on a vessel and interacting with crew.

The Radio Control will confirm this with the Master on arrival of the vessel at outer anchorage and then will record the same in the “Fresh Arrival Book”.

Chittagong Port Authority announce suspension of crew changes of Merchant Ships calling at Chittagong Port for eight (8) weeks from 21 March.

If a crew change is unavoidable, a 14 day self-isolation period is required. Foreign ships arriving at the Chattogram port will be quarantined for 16 days. If the ship does not take 16 days after leaving a foreign port, it will have to wait at outer anchorage of Chattogram port to complete the quarantine period

Port of Mongla

Masters of all vessels calling at Mongla Port must submit before arrival at Fairway Buoy:

• ‘De-ratting’ Exemption Certificate
• Free Pratique Certificate
• Master’s declaration that the onboard crew are free from Coronavirus
• From 19 March, shore passes will not be issued for any crew on board ships calling at Mongla Port. It has also been notified that crew change have been suspended and joining crew will not be permitted to enter Port Area/ Premises. Thus crew change at Mongla Port is no longer possible

By April 6th: The Ministry of Industries of the Government of Bangladesh has banned the import of scrap ships In order to prevent the transmission of Coronavirus (Covid-19) – all activities of imported vessels for the purpose of recycling are to be stopped.

Following operations continue to be suspended until the State of Emergency is lifted:

• Crew changes and transportation of personnel offshore (except critical medical emergencies)
• Immigration and visa services
• Domestic flights
• Offshore crude liftings continue to operate with only customs police onboard.
• Agent and other authorities are restricted from to travel offshore facilities.

Terminals, stevedores and logistic activities are operating under strict rules and safety conditions to safeguard all operators, stevedores and crew members from potential exposure.

The Courts remain operative only for urgent procedures, such as arrest or payment injunctions, which can be filed electronically (system now in use in Italy).Mediation and negotiation proceedings are suspended until 11th May 2020. All time bars and prescription terms expiring between 16th April 2020 and 11th May 2020 (already suspended from 9th March 2020 and 15th April 2020 by pervious law) are suspen

• Lashing and unlashing of cargo is to be conducted by ship’s crews, this includes container vessels and terminal staff will only be working from the quayside.
• The lowering of gangways is not permitted,  the crew are not permitted to physically come into contact with terminal staff or disembark the vessel. Contact with terminal staff is to be done remotely.
• Visitors, included local agents are not permitted to board the vessel. All communications must be done remotely.
• Vessels are permitted to take on stores however this is to be conducted at anchor and after arrangements have been made with the ports health officials.

Cruise vessels coming from any port are also prohibited.

It is expected that this new extension of the period of state of emergency will be agreed until 26 April.

Ports will continue to be operating, loading and discharge of goods are on-going.

Stevedores and personnel attending on board vessels shall continue to take basic precaution such as the use of masks and keep a safety distance of 1.5 mts from each person in contact.

In case that a vessel calling any Spanish port declares any ill crewmember with signs of COVID 19 or there is a suspicion of health alert, Port Authorities will follow a Technical Instruction where the vessel will be requested to immediately inform, through the Maritime Declaration of Health, to the Port Authority, the Harbour Master or the Maritime Port Traffic Control Centre.

Depending on the circumstances, and after a Health Inspection on board the vessel has been undertaken, the Port Authorities will decide if the vessel remains at anchorage or if allowed to berth at a designated berth.

Ships before arrival Port Victoria must do their normal maritime health declaration. 

Before arrival MRCC contact the Master and check if no crew members are ill on board.

The Master has an obligation to inform of whether or not symptomatic persons are on board. Failure to do so is an offense punishable by imprisonment and fine. If no suspicion, free pratique granted.

If suspicion, vessel stay at anchorage waiting for health authorities’ intervention.

An official document will be issued soon by the authorities.

All requests for special operations at Port-Reunion are under the control/approval of the authorities.

All requests are reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

Places to be sterilized, where there is direct contact between ship’s crew and related staff whose work requires entry to the places of subsistence and boarding on board, will be identified and inventoried to reduce the time to as little as possible to ensure no delay in handling of cargo.

Substances to be used in sterilization must have no effect on human health.

The cost of sterilization should not exceed a maximum of 500 JD, despite the high prices of sterilization materials from their source.

A curfew is in effect from 17:00 to 06:00 until at least 18 April.

No airlines or ferries are operating into Dominica with passengers.

Only air and sea cargo are allowed, with exceptions for aircraft, ships or other vessels carrying (a) citizens of Dominica (b) resident diplomats (c) medical personnel or (d) any other authorised persons.

A nightly curfew is in effect from 18:00 to 06:00, and a weekend curfew from 18:00 on Friday to 06:00 on Monday.

The ports are operational without any restriction and work normally.

Non-essential vessels are not allowed to enter the seaport.

Any move from people which is non-essential journey must be declared by an attestation Letter and reasons of going out must be on the authorized list.

Borders with neighbour countries are closed and flight from/to France are extremely restricted to medical/urgent work/family emergency.

No restrictions for merchant shipping operations but protocols and procedures regarding COVID19 has to be followed.

Pre-arrival procedure must be accomplished.

• A Health Declaration will be requested to Masters as part of the procedure.
• In case of any member of crew presents fever, then Harbor Master will contact specialized medical Centre who will instruct isolation measures to be taken.
• In case no case declared by Master, then vessel can berth normally.

Most ports, pilots/tugs/linemen decided to reduce their team at minimum, service is still in force but impossible to berth/sail/anchor from 2300hrs to 0500hrs.

Terminals still working in reduced team.

The prohibition of the docking of passenger ships of more than 30 m in the main port of Dégrad-des-cannes.

It is highlighted that among the exceptions established in the Decree, the activities of the ports of public and private service are exclusively for cargo transportation. Free Pratique will be subject to Sanitation officer’s approval .

Health declaration is requested and must be sent on daily basis and three (3) hours before ship’s arrival.

No cruise vessel are allowed.

No shore leave.

The local agent at some ports are only allowed to board during clearing of vessel and carry out the key meeting, further assistance by agent will continue in a remote way.

Cargo-, repair-, bunker-, load/discharge calls remain possible as normal. Off port attendance to remain as normal (exception: crew changes).

All ports in Bonaire are open as normal.

All sea ports shall be closed to regional and international seafaring and private boating.

Air and sea restrictions do not apply to: cargo flights or cargo ships, commercial courier flights, emergency medical flights or emergency flights approved by the Civil Aviation Authority.

All ports in Aruba are open as normal.

• Copy of Medical Log book
• Register of body temperature to all crew and passengers if any.
• Crew change movements as from 01/12/2019.
• MHSD (Medical Health Ship Declaration)
• Individual Health Declaration form & questionnaires form

In case any crewmember or passengers present any sickness symptoms, free pratique will not be granted and vessel must comply the quarantine.

Migration authorities have cancelled all temporary and working VISA for all citizens coming from affected area, i.e. China, Japan, South Korea, Iran, Europe, USA, Brazil and Chile (these two countries just recently added….).

Foreign Citizens (Non-residents) will not be allowed to enter the country for the next 15 days, so far.

In addition they have made the following exceptions always provided that said individuals don’t show any signs of the virus and comply with further recommendation/instructions from National Sanitary authorities:

• people affected to the transportation of goods/commodities through Air, ground and Sea.
• crewmembers
• people related to flight operations and sanitary transfers

Ports in Brazil & Chile are considered as affected areas with exponential risks to spread COVID-19.
This will cause delays/logistic changes in line-ups/commercial drawbacks depending on vessels’ last known port of departure prior to entering Argentine jurisdiction.

Argentina is under a mandatory social isolation / quarantine which will be in place, in principle, until 13th April 2020 (after being extended from its original ending date).

It is expected that after 13 April restrictions will continue in place and would be lifted gradually, depending on the developments of the spread.

The Government has considered that those activities which are urgent to enable international trade are exempted, therefore, ports and ships are operating.

In principle, all ships calling Argentine ports must present specific pre-arrival information (72 hours before arriving) including the last 10 ports called, crew changes, ship’s medical book, crew/passenger temperature records among others.

Ships which have called one of the areas considered specially affected by the outbreak (EU Members, Schengen Members, UK and North Ireland, USA, Korea, Japan, Iran, Chile and Brazil) would be subject to physical health inspection at Recalada Pilot Station (outer River Plate) by Coast Guards on behalf of health authorities. If the pre-arrival documentation on any ship, and the physical inspection for those calling from the “affected areas” do not reveal any Covid-19 case, or suspected case, the ship would in principle authorize to receive Pilots and proceed to port, where additional health inspections may take place. Otherwise the ship will be quarantined at the disposal of Health Authorities.

Necochea, Bahia Blanca, San Nicolas, Campana, Zarate, Rosario and San Lorenzo and other nearby ports may have the same tendency have been affected by different players, such as unions, professional associations or locally-based authorities which request for any ship calling an “affected area” to have at least 14 days transit time since they departed from the last port. This would normally affect ships calling from Brazil – and Chile at some extent (due to short transit time).

Borders remain closed and there virtually no commercial flights. Therefore, crew changes or repatriations are not normally possible.

Surveyors’ attendance on board would be subject to the particular circumstances of the case, and the possibility for them to attend at port or on board may be limited. Not only due to the risk of contracting the virus, but also because the isolation is mandatory and its breach is being prosecuted criminally by our authorities.

Courts and Administrative entities have entered into an extraordinary recess during the mandatory isolation. No activity is taking place thereon unless urgent and unavoidable.8 April: The port of Bahia Blanca is currently operating with no restrictions on LPG vessels or on vessels which have been at sea longer than 14 days and haven’t called at affected areas.

• All cruise vessel calls to Georgian ports have been halted.
• Ships calling at Georgian ports shall, at least 24 hours before arrival, submit Maritime Health Declaration with annexes.
• If as ship, her crew or passengers entered countries consider High Risk within the last 21 days they will be subject to thermal screening.
• The ship Master is also responsible for observing the further health of crew and passengers while alongside, at anchorage points or waiting areas and must communicate any suspicious cases to the
• Harbour Master and appropriate authorities without undue delay.
• If submitted documents or screening show the existence of COVID-19 on board, all possible contacts will be restricted with the subject vessel.
• Pilots must use personal safety equipment when going onboard, including mask, single use gloves and safety glasses.
• All crew are requested to put on masks and PPE to prevent the spread of virus before meeting pilots embarking on the weather dock. The Bridge team must also wear masks during pilotage.

Decision to temporary restrict non-essential travel to Sweden from countries outside of the European Union

Ships calling at Swedish ports:

Regular routines/procedures are in place and still appropriate.

If a ship, arriving to a Swedish port from a foreign port, is carrying or suspects it is carrying an infectious disease onboard, a declaration on the state of health onboard (corresponding to the Maritime Declaration of Health (MDH)) shall be submitted to the relevant authorities (Swedish Coast Guard (Kustbevakningen) or the Swedish Customs (Tullverket)).

Such a declaration, containing three general questions on the health status onboard, is to be fulfilled in the Swedish Maritime Single Window (MSW) together with other reporting formalities for ships before entry into port.

• When a ship (commercial or passenger) arrives at a Western Australia Port from an overseas location where they have transited international waters they are required to enter quarantine for 14 days if they disembark the ship.
• Disembarkation occurs when the person leaves the area under control of the Australian Border Force (ABF). They may remain on the dock to facilitate the preparation of the ship for further sea operations.
• When they leave the area of the dock surrounding the ship they are deemed to have disembarked and come within the State Emergency Declaration at which point they are required to quarantine for 14 days.
• If they have not been at sea for 14 days since their last port of departure they are not allowed to disembark the ship without entering into quarantine for 14 days.

Exception

If the voyage has been of a duration of 14 days or more since the last port of departure from an international destination and there is a crew change:

• An Authorised Person (Police /ABF) can provide a direction to the crew member to proceed to the nearest airport and depart immediately. (crew change / return to home)
• The crew member must have a ticket and travel directly to the airport.
• They are not to stop at any other locations and must follow all directions provided thereafter.

Only cargo ships are allowed to call in Toamasina Port. The port of Toamasina is open 24h/24h and Dockers involved in night shift should join the port before 20:00.

The following restrictions should be respected when calling in Toamasina (Common restrictions for all ports in the country):

The Port Authority applies 14-day quarantine as possible, depending on Health Safety Assessment of all ship’s submitted health documents.

For ship berthed less than 14-day quarantine. Surveyor can board ship but not allowed to enter into castle. All physical exchange of documents is prohibited but should be done by emails. For ship which has completed the 14-day quarantine, physical exchange of documents is allowed.

Tankers and containers with less than 10-day travel from last port are exempted from 14-day quarantine if their health safety assessment are considered as Good.

• Measures taken by the port will be applied such as:
• No shore leave
• No contact with shore personal,
• Wearing mask / gloves / glasses from crew side is compulsory when crew members have to go out on deck
  All documents exchange is carried out by email to avoid contact
• 2 meters distance must be kept in case involved crew members have to work on deck.
• Ships that have completed more than 10-day travel will berth only at 15th day from last port (to comply with corona quarantine)
• Crew and safety embarked team displacement are not accepted.
• Disembarking is not allowed.
• No landing of persons is authorized.

people on board should disembark only for essential things, using mask and gloves

the authorities in charge of receiving the ships are not attending in person, but doing the diligence electronically or by phone, in order to minimize the amount of people that are obliged to go on board.

Vessels calling Egyptian waters to provide the following documents, together with relevant entrance application, prior to the vessel’s entry and berthing at the port:

• Crew list
• Passenger list (tourism)
• Last 10 port of call list
• Narcotics list
• Maritime declaration of health
• Vaccination list

All agents have been instructed to notify the health authorities if there is any intention to sign on or sign off of any crew in the ports of Alexandria, Dekheila or Abu Qir in relation to any crew from the following countries :

1. China,
2. Taiwan,
3. Japan
4. Malaysia
5. Vietnam,
6. South Korea,
7. Singapore,
8. Iran,
9. Italy,
10. Kuwait,
11. Bahrain,
12. Germany,
13. France,
14. Switzerland,
15. Spain,
16. Thailand.

• All South African ports remain open for port operations
• Cargo operations will continue in all ports.
• Stevedore operations will continue in all ports
• All types of cargo will be allowed to be loaded and off loaded.

Foreign crews may not go ashore during ship’s activities in the port area.

Foreign crew changes are not allowed in Indonesian Ports, but during the outbreak of Covid-19 can be done at the specified anchorage area.

If a medical/health emergency occurs for foreign crews when the ship in the port area, they could be taken ashore once permission is granted by the Covid-19 Task Force in each area after implementing the Health Protocol of Covid-19 Handling.

During the Covid-19 outbreak, foreign vessels (cargo ships, passenger ships and cruise ships) that apply for permission to disembark crews, bunker, fresh water and provision supplies will be provided shelter for ship-to-ship (STS) and lay-up at the designated area, i.e. Nipah Island, Tanjung Balai Karimun and Galang Island by fulfilling the terms and requirements of arrival the foreign ship in accordance with laws and regulations.

• Passenger ships are not allowed.
• The pilot can only board the vessel after the 14 days of quarantine.
• All seafarers are not authorized to go ashore during the vessel’s call.
• All exchanges of formality documents and instructions are made by e-mail or by VHF.

Embarking crewmembers

• The ship owner needs to declare the embarking crewmember’s health condition in the past 14 days to the local authorities where the crew change is going to take place and submit a Health Record Form together with the application.
• If the application is approved, then the ship owner can proceed and arrange embarkation.
• If the travel from the crewmember’s living place to the ship is all in low risk areas, they can embark the vessel directly; otherwise they may need to be quarantined at the port for observation.

Disembarking crewmembers

• The ship owner also needs to submit a Health Record Form to the local authorities for any disembarking crewmembers together with the application.
• If the crewmember is reported to be in good health condition and health authorities’ boarding inspection confirms so:

a) in case 14 days have elapsed since the ship departed the last foreign port, they can disembark the vessel without restriction or isolation.

b) in case it has been less than 14 days, the crewmember should be quarantined upon disembarkation until 14 days have elapsed since the ship departed the last foreign port, either at home or at a designated place for observation in line with requirement of the local authorities.

• If the crewmember shows any suspected symptoms, then the crew change should be suspended immediately, and virus prevention and control protocols shall be followed.
• If the crewmember is found to be asymptomatically infected, the prevailing protocol made by the relevant authorities shall be followed.

Apart from the above Chinese crew change procedures, promulgated in recent notices, MOT will continue to suspend crew changes of foreign national crew members on foreign flagged ships in Chinese ports.

It is advised to strictly forbid internationally trading cargo ships which are carrying people onboard, other than its crew, from entering into Chinese ports. Before entering into Chinese waters, following departure from a foreign port of call, the master should submit a statement to local maritime authorities at the port of destination to confirm that the ship is not carrying any person other than its crew.

Upon arrival, COVID-19 test will be carried out on the individual and thereafter, he/she will be taken to a government quarantine facility.  Although the cost of COVID-19 test and treatment are covered by the Korean government, the individual will have to pay the usage charge of the quarantine facility.

For vessel and crew, a different standard is applied:

• Vessels arriving in Korea post 14 days since departure from last port (regardless of country): Entry for vessel and crew is as same as prior to COVID-19 situation.  Enhanced screening is not conducted on the vessel and 14 day quarantine is not required for the crew.

Vessels arriving in Korea within 14 days since departure from last port (regardless of country):

• Enhanced screening measure conducted with National Quarantine Station officers boarding the vessel to check the body temperatures of each crew along with handing out ‘Health Questionnaire’ and ‘Travel Record Declaration’ to be submitted by each crew member.
• Cargo operation is only allowed after the quarantine certificate is issued by the National Quarantine Station Officer.
• For crew to disembark or to enter Korea, he/she must be in possession of a working personal smart phone and must install the government specified ‘Self-diagnosis Application’ on the phone.  14 day quarantine is not required for the crew.

From April 1st, te ports are open and currently operational with strict security measures in place (such as port’s health boarding vessels from affected areas for first-hand checks prior berthing). Stevedores are available for the time being.

Suspected vessel’s crewmembers are quarantined at anchorage for double checks. Embarkation and disembarkation of crew is prevented as Immigration refuse to issue transit visas.

Disinfection and cleaning services at ports are currently operating.

From 2 April: Only vessels carrying fuels, foodstuffs, medicines are permitted at the port of Tema. At Takoradi, operations are continuing as normal

There are several greys areas regarding its interpretation and practical implementation, including with regard to potential delivery of cargo without surrender of the original bill of lading.

All husbandry services have been suspended at the Tupras Terminals at Tutunciftlik and Aliaga until further notice, due to the outbreak of Covid-19.

Due to congestion at sanitary inspection in the Izmit region, customs control will not performed between the hours of 00:01 to 08:00 local time. Depending on terminal programmes, vessels can drop anchor at the Izmit anchorage area or berth at terminals upon arrival. However, if they arrive between 00:01 LT and 08:00, they will have to wait until 08:00 for customs control.

28 March: all crew changes and attendance of technicians/visitors in the Turkish Straits have been suspended until further notice. Only stores spares can be delivered without any contact between vessel and agency boats.

31 March: All vessels calling at Derince Safi Terminal must be disinfected. The tariff for this compulsory disinfection will be as follows, charged to each vessel until further instructions:

0-5,000 GT: USD 500
5,001-10,000 GT: USD 700
10,001-15,000 GT: USD 1,000
15,001 GT and above: USD 1,500

All 44 ports under Gujarat Maritime Board, Kakinada Anchorage Port, Kolkata, Haldia, Paradip, Paradip International Cargo Terminal, Kawar Port, Dhamra, Karaikal, Gopalpur, Gangavaram, Krishnapatnam, Kandla, Kandla International Container Terminal , Adani Ports at Mundra, Tuna, Hazira and Dahej, Angre, the JSW and JSWIL ports at Goa, APM terminals at JN port (Nhava Sheva).

Ports (Matadi, Boma and Banana) are operational as usual with precaution against contamination of the COVID-19. For the time being, there is no lack of stevedores. They are working 24/7.

Concerning crew:

• With the closure of borders, crew change or repatriation is prevented until further notice.
• Crew members have to fill in forms on their itinerary.
• Crew members suspected will be transferred at special hospital for additional medical analysis by health professionals.
• Crew members tested positive will be retained for appropriate care.
• Crew members have to remain on board during the stay of the vessel alongside only in case of sickness.

• The Canadian government has confirmed the importance of the shipping industry as vital to the economy by keeping ports open and facilitating shipping activity. There are, however, precautions which must be taken.
• Access to shore leave for Canadian and foreign seafarers is maintained without restriction.
  Drydock and repair facilities are working on reduced manning / split shifts to enable social distancing. Most remain open, but delays in repair and construction work are expected.

The Port of Dakar is opened with very limited activity. Vessels are subjected to quarantine until free pratique is granted for entering the port and berthing. There is a shortage of stevedores.

Crew members are confined onboard and no movement is allowed as all borders – including maritime – are closed.

Disinfection and cleaning services are available at the port.

Restrictive measures, similar to those of other countries, are being imposed from the government. From 18:00 hrs to 06:00 hrs and from 10:00 hrs to 16:00 hrs there is movement curfew, and no one can be outside in the city (unless there are justifiable reasons) however the activity in the port (loading, discharging, formalities etc. are continuing as usually 24 hours).

It is stated that cargo ships can be operated normally. For all the vessels that come to port the crew is not allowed to go out to shore and no embarking or disembarking of crew is possible.

Actually in Durres port the cargo vessels continuing the normal operations. During this period usually only the ship agent (and the doctor) comes onboard to take the documents for the free pratique but as I said the crew is not allowed to go out ashore.

At East Terminal (where the vessel is supposed to be berthed for discharging petcock) the commercial activity continuing normally. Considering the situation to date we believe that the members may bring the vessel normally at Durres port.

For cargo ships up to now there is no general restrictions or quarantine however preventive measures have been implemented as per a note n° 7/2020 from Ministry of Equipment Transport & Logistic dated 14/03/2020 attached herewith (although in French).

Vessels shall remain at anchorage time for health authority entitled to deliver free pratique to evaluate the risks and fix the preventive measures to take for persons accessing the ship, in accord with port authorities;

After berthing no physical contact should be made with people from shore and crew members are not authorized to land excepted extreme urgency case and under the control of health authorities;
Pilot must be equipped with FFP2 mask and gloves when meeting the Master and crew who should also wear protection equipment;

The agent is the unique interface with the Master. He shall access on board after  withdrawal of crew members from gangway;

Official documents should be placed under plastic film and should be disinfected prior being remitted to authorities;

Local security committees may take additional measures in case of exceptional situation not anticipated in this note.

At Casablanca Port authority (ANP) issued a note on 16/03/2020 to the various stevedore companies referring to the note n° 7/2020 from Ministry of Equipment Transport & Logistic dated 14/03/2020 above and implementing additional preventive measures  such as:

• Require for stevedore staff who has to board the vessel the use of protection equipment (gloves, bib, antiseptic solution)
• Forbid any person acting as service supplier the board ships. Watchmen should exert their watch from shore; regarding collect of waste waters or oily waters the connection of hoses on vessel side must be done by the crew, solid wastes shall  be collected on shore
• Require to raise the gangway after completion of administrative formalities.

As regard the surveyors access to Moroccan ports and ships although we have not been provided with official information in that respect for the time being there are no restrictions however surveyors should stay on board the minimum time necessary to perform their survey / investigation.

Situation in courts – The Ministry of Justice ordered on 16/03/2020 p.m. the suspension until further notice of the activity in Moroccan courts. Only the hearings in way of emergency proceedings and those in relation to criminal pending matters are maintained. Thus the pending cases before commercial courts are suspended as well as the introduction of new proceedings.

Crew/passengers with recent travel history to mainland China, France, Germany, Iran, Italy, Republic of Korea, and Spain in the past 14 days onboard all arriving vessels shall remain onboard during the vessels’ stay in port.

With immediate effect, Singapore will cease port calls for all cruise vessels.

National Environment Agency’s (Port Health Office)  requirements to submit the compulsory Maritime Declaration of Health to the Port Health Office which are applicable for:

All arriving vessels with crew/passengers with recent travel history to mainland China, France, Germany, Iran, Italy, Republic of Korea, and Spain in the past 14 days; or
All arriving vessels that have called at ports in mainland China, France, Germany, Iran, Italy, Republic of Korea, and Spain in the past 14 days.

Exception is made to Portuguese Citizens living in Portugal wishing to debark at our ports.

Cruise vessels still may call Portuguese ports and to carry on provisions, fresh water and other supplies, as well as to perform bunkering operations.

This containment measure will soon be in force and will be re-evaluated on 9 April.

The government has now declared the whole of Metro Manila under a state of community quarantine starting 15 March 2020 until 14 April 2020.  During this period, land, domestic air and domestic sea travel to and from Metro Manila will be suspended, schools will be closed, government work in the executive department will be suspended (but will have skeletal force; likely to be adopted by the judicial department) and flexible working arrangements are encouraged to be adopted in the private sector.  While the agencies of the government are expected to provide guidelines on the implementation of the community quarantine, the situation will be assessed on a day-to-day basis.

In addition, there are separate requirements for cruise ships and cargo vessels, including cruise ships and cargo ships.

The Health Authority has also recommended to anyone to notify to National Boarded Authorities immediately if there is any suspicion that any crewmember or passenger on international voyages may have an infectious disease or any similar symptoms of the Coronavirus 2019-nCoV.

In those cases, the sanitary officers will provide the corresponding instructions however the people suspected must be isolated (on a cabin on board or a hotel at shore) and wait for instructions.
So far there are no restrictions for travelling or to trade.

As per new resolution issued by the Argentinian government, all transit, working & temporary visa applications from the following countries have been cancelled until further notice due to the outbreak of the COVID-19:

• People Republic of China
• Republic of Korea (South Korea)
• Islamic Republic of Iran
• Japan
• United States of America
• United Kingdom
• EU countries

The Argentinian Consulates located on those countries will not issue any working/transit and, specially, crew visas.

In view of the present situation evolving globally regarding the Coronavirus, as a precautionary measure Malta Freeport Terminals will be prohibiting with immediate effect the disembarkation of crew members from any vessel calling at Malta Freeport. The vessel crew is also required to self-isolate when possible. Furthermore with respect to ongoing operations, crew members must practice general infection and prevention advice when interacting with shore personnel and agency staff embarking the vessel. Such measures include social distancing, hand hygiene and respiratory protection in the form of masks. Crew members will only be allowed to disembark the vessel if they have been granted permission by the relevant authorities.

On 9 March, the following was sent by the Authorities in Malta to all service providers, ship agents and bunkering operators at Malta in respect of services provided outside Maltese territorial waters:

• Port Health & TM Port Operations are to be provided with a pre departure notification, the latter to include details of operation (name of ship, scope of services)
• Additional documentation to be forwarded together with pre departure notification:Maritime Declaration of Health of the ship requesting the service
• Ports of call during the last 2 weeks of the ship
• A clean health bill for any crew disembarkation, as long as they are not coming from any Covid-19 affected countries
• Location for disembarkation of crew to be identified in advance.  Disembarking crew together with service launch/bunker barge crew are to be screened upon arrival by Port Health staff.

It is added that “Clearance outwards will only be granted following a written authorisation by Port health.“

It is therefore stated that

• Every ship that enters Indonesia directly from China to be anchored in the quarantine zone for rigorous inspection by Port Health Office (KKP) officers.
• Every ship is mandated to attach a voyage memo including the last 10 ports of call, when reporting the arrival of the ship to the KKP office at the port and if based on the last port the ship had stopped in China will be subject to strict inspection.
• Quarantine period is 14 days starting from ship departure from China.

The Directorate General of Sea Transportation and KKP also informed about the installation of a thermal scanner to detect the increase in the body temperature of passengers installed in the arrival area at the port that serves international routes.

Any suspect who has contracted the corona virus, medical treatment and treatment will be carried out specifically according to the Standards and Procedures (SOPs) issued by the CTF.

The following crew/passenger are restricted to enter KoreaAll Chinese seafarers with passport issued in Hubei province is prohibited to enter Korea

• All valid Korean visa issued in Hubei province has temporarily lost its effect until further notice.
• All foreigners that have visited Hubei province in the past 14 days is prohibited to enter Korea.
• All foreigners transit without visa to Jeju Island in Korea has temporarily lost its effect
• All crews (Chinese, Filipino, Indian) who intend to join/disembark to/from the vessel in Korea are allowed to enter Korea require a VISA.
• Transit passengers without a VISA for Chinese and foreigners from China will not be allowed.
• Hong Kong and Macau are now designated as countries affected by Coronavirus. Fever monitoring of all crew and crew members of vessels arriving from Hong Kong and Macau and a concentrated quarantine inspection for all crews and passengers will be conducted.

• The quarantine inspection is getting strong and tight for all vessels, and particularly for the vessels coming from the Chinese ports.
• The quarantine officers are checking the body temperature to all crew members and all visitors.
• In case of Pohang, the cargo operation was limited only to 0300 hours rather than 24 hours operation.
• At the one of Korean inland cities, Daegu, the COVID19 is getting worse, but at the other Korean areas it is not bad with COVID19.
• At the open and sea area, it is so safe from COVID19 and we are taking the mask in the room, office, bus, train and small/short space.

• Each vessel must sent report to Ministry of Health of Israel before her arrival to Israeli port, stating that all crew and passengers are healthy and that the vessel didn’t visit China in the last 15 days.
• The report must be approved by the Ministry of Health before her arrival to Israel. Without the approval, vessel cannot enter Israel.
• Foreign travellers who visited in China in the last 15 days is not allowed to enter Israel
• Foreign travellers who have the symptoms of the virus (fever, cough or shortness of breath) is not allowed to enter Israel, regardless how many days passed.

Haifa Port:

• Vessels that arrive at the port and do not have people coming from countries for which the Ministry of Health has issued an alert (as of 2-Mar-2020) China, Hong Kong, Thailand, Singapore, Macau, South Korea, Japan, Italy, France, Germany, Switzerland, Spain, Austria – the ship can enter the port.

If on the vessel there are people that in the past 14 days, or the vessel has been in a port in the past 14 days, in one of the countries listed above, the vessel shall enter the port with the following restrictions:

• Avoiding contact with the crew as much as possible.
• The crew will be refused to enter the country, e.g. a complete prohibition on disembarking.
• All workers (port and not-port workers) who board the vessel must have personal protective equipment which includes: Mouth/nose mask according to Ministry of Health spec. Gloves according to Ministry of Health spec.

• The list of the 10 previous port of call
• The maritime health declaration
• The crew list clearly stressing the date and port where each crew member boarded the vessel

The Trieste and Monfalcone Port Authority have issued a note dated 24 February 2020 which provides advice for vessels.

In case of coronavirus the vessel will remain at roads and the infected person will be disembarked by means of Harbour Master’s launch boat with health assistance on board.

Agents will board the vessels with masks and/or protectives suits.

In view of the present situation evolving globally regarding the Coronavirus, as a precautionary measure Malta Freeport Terminals will be prohibiting with immediate effect the disembarkation of crew members from any vessel calling at Malta Freeport. The vessel crew is also required to self-isolate when possible. Furthermore with respect to ongoing operations, crew members must practice general infection and prevention advice when interacting with shore personnel and agency staff embarking the vessel. Such measures include social distancing, hand hygiene and respiratory protection in the form of masks. Crew members will only be allowed to disembark the vessel if they have been granted permission by the relevant authorities.

In addition vessels are being requested to show the Yellow flag in accordance with the International Code of Signal to signify that the ship is healthy.

• Ministry of Communications General company of Ports for Iraq have informed all agents that Masters of vessels that have called at a Chinese port within the last 30 days before arriving in Iraq are requested to provide a statement 3 days before arriving in Iraqi territorial waters that crew onboard do not have any symptoms of corona virus (high temperature, sore throat, coughing or breathing difficulties).
• If any such symptoms are noted, the Master should inform port authority prior to arrival and await further instructions.

Agents have been advising calling vessels to Paradip that:

1. crew changes are not allowed
2. shore leave will not be granted for crew of vessels that have called at China, South Asian countries and Australia.
3. if vessel has Chinese crew that joined after 25 Dec 2019, the vessel must remain at anchorage for examination
4. if suspected case of COVID-19 on board then the vessel must remain at anchorage for examination

• The origin and the last ten ports of call.
• A health clearance and report of any seafarer embarked who became sick on board the ship within a period of 15 days before arrival of the ship at the port of Nouakchott.
• Before any entry or exit of seafarers to embark or disembark on board/from the vessel of a passing vessel trough the focal point of autonomous port of Nouakchott (PANPA).
• The visa of the last point of entry at the borders of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania, for seafarers to embark.
• The origin and the last ten ports of call.
• A health clearance and report of any seafarer who became sick on board the ship and who has to be disembarked within a period of 15 days before arrival of the ship at the port of Nouakchott.

• Port Health officials must monitor all arriving conveyances from the affected countries and increase surveillance measures.
• Upon arrival of the conveyance, Port Health officials must collect and verify the health documentation and interview the crew members/operators to determine if there is any sick passenger on board.
• In addition to the routine interview of crew members/operators, Port Health officials must ask crew members questions specific to signs and symptoms of 2019-nCov.
• If the Port Health official is certain that there are no sick passengers on board and all health requirements have been met, the passengers may be allowed to disembark.
• All arriving passengers must be channelled through thermal processes.
• Travelers found to have elevated temperature must be escorted to the Port Health clinic where available, for further examination and must be interviewed to determine their travel history.
• Where a Port Health clinic is not available, Port Health must interview the traveller with elevated temperature to determine their travel history, record the details of the traveller and if required, transfer the traveller to the nearest health facility.
• Travellers presenting with any of one of these symptoms; fever, headache, joint and muscle aches, sore throat, and weakness, diarrhoea, vomiting, stomach pain and have travelled to the affected countries must be isolated and arrangements made for transportation of the traveller to the nearest designated health facility.

In the case of known and reported cases by vessels themselves, the procedure involves the following:

• From an incoming vessel, a patient or other passengers (must) inform Captains/ and the crew must move the suspected patent to an isolated area, and the Captain must report illness to the harbour authorities.
• The Captain or vessel agent must inform the Port Health Officers.
• The Port Health officers must contact emergency Medical Services and the designated hospital for patient referral, as well as notify the provincial and/or district CDC.
• The Port Health officer must facilitate assessment of a passenger(s) and contact the vessel prior to their departure from the harbour.
• The CDC coordinator must monitor contacts utilising information provided by Port Health.
• If close contacts develop signs and symptoms, they must be referred to designated health facility.
• Where cleaning and/or disinfection is required, the Port Health office must inform cleaning/handling company and monitor the process.

• Dunkirk: no specific measure has been implemented by the Port Authorities to date nor has any specific information been issued to the attention of local Agents
• Le Havre: A “sanitary watch” has been ordered by the Harbour Master’s office, consisting in the obligation for Masters of vessels calling in port to notify immediately their Agent and fill in a “Déclaration Maritime de Santé” (DMS – health maritime declaration form) in case of any signs of pathology amongst the crew.
• Rouen: A “sanitary watch” has been ordered by the Harbour Master’s office, consisting in the obligation for Masters of vessels calling in port to notify immediately their Agent and fill in a “Déclaration Maritime de Santé” (DMS – health maritime declaration form) in case of any signs of pathology amongst the crew.
• Brest: No specific measure implemented in Brest to date. The Harbor Master has only asked Agents to pay specific attention to vessel with Asian crewmembers onboard or regarding crew changes with transits via Hong Kong or Singapore
• Lorient: Agents have been asked to have all vessels calling fill in a questionnaire drafted by the local Port Authorities detailing crew movements for the past 14 days and enquiring about possible symptoms related to the illness (copy enclosed) + to hand out to all incoming vessels the “TRAVELLERS’ ADVICE” flyers issued by the French Ministry of Health.
• Nantes/St Nazaire/Donges/Montoire: Agents have been asked to display and hand out to all incoming vessels the “TRAVELLERS’ ADVICE” flyers issued by the French Ministry of Health.
• La Rochelle/La Pallice: Agents have been asked to notify the Harbor Master’s office of any incoming vessel with Chinese crew onboard or having called in a Chinese port over the last 15 days, in which case these vessels are compelled to fill in a DMS before they can get clearance to berth.
• Bordeaux/Ambes/Blaye/Bassens: Agents have been asked to display and hand out to all incoming vessels the “TRAVELLERS’ ADVICE” flyers issued by the French Ministry of Health.
• Bayonne: Agents have been asked to display and hand out to all incoming vessels the “TRAVELLERS’ ADVICE” flyers issued by the French Ministry of Health.
• Sète: Agents have been asked to display and hand out to all incoming vessels the “TRAVELLERS’ ADVICE” flyers issued by the French Ministry of Health + to notify the Harbor Master’s office of any incoming vessel with Chinese crew onboard
• Port-Vendres: no specific measure has been implemented by the Port Authorities to date nor has any specific information been issued to the attention of local Agents

Marseille/Fos/Lavera: Agents have been asked to display and hand out to all incoming vessels the “TRAVELLERS’ ADVICE” flyers issued by the French Ministry of Health.

You may find the exemption arrangement under Compulsory Quarantine of Certain Persons Arriving at Hong Kong Regulation here and the gazettal of the Compulsory Quarantine of Certain Persons Arriving at Hong Kong Regulation and Prevention and Control of Disease (Disclosure of Information) Regulation here.

All vessels arriving from China must fill out Maritime Declaration of Health that states health status of crew.

Submit in advance:

• crew list
• a ‘voyage memo’ (voyage details to show vessel movements for last 14 days)
• a valid ship control or exemption certificate

• Taiwan by inspector’s thermal regulation, coughing or breathing shortages, regardless of whether taking the medications for cough, etc., upon arrival Airport / shall notify the inspectors of the port immediately.
• If a vessel has visited a Chinese port within 14 days, the crew cannot issue a landing permit.
• Chinese crew cannot issue coastal passes by port authorities and does not grant landing permits to all Taiwan ports.
• All Chinese Are refused to enter Taiwan at the airport
• Foreigners who visit China within 14 days prior to entering Taiwan are not allowed to (Example: the crew change, CDI, checks, etc)
• Hong Kong and Macao locals arriving in Taiwan are 14 should be under home quarantine for one or hotels.

• Vessels must submit a health declaration that there are no symptoms on board.
• No crew disembarkation until clearance from Port Health is obtained.
• Suspected infected vessels will be isolated at outer anchorages.

The Port Qasim Authority further requires that crew from foreign vessels are not allowed to disembark.

• In Vung Ang port located in Vung Ang Economic Freezone and Qui Nhon Port checks and restrictions have reportedly been put in place which mirror those in China. Crew may not be allowed off the ship but that the ship may call.
• For the rest of the country, including Hongai, correspondents are not aware of any quarantine restrictions at this stage.
• Flights to mainland China remain suspended.
• Strongly recommend that any ships due to call Vietnamese ports liaise closely with their appointed agents as agents will have the most recent updates on the steps being taken in the specific ports.

• Information of conveyance (Tor.1 Form).
• Maritime information of health via radio telegram (Tor.2 form).
• Maritime declaration of health (Tor.3 form).
• Last port of call / port clearance.

In case, the last port of call is China and departure was within 14 days, Quarantine Office shall also require the Master to complete their questionnaire prior to berthing of the vessel.

If crew has experienced any illness, fever or respiratory problems, quarantine officer may attend on board for investigation.

• In addition to the routine declaration, all arriving vessels are required to declare details of all ports of call within the past 14 days.
• Vessel masters are also required to provide a further health status on board declaration including health issues of crew and or flu like symptoms 12 hours prior to vessel arrival.
• Vessels are also required to report on their onboard health status to Port Control at their first point of contact.
• Health declaration forms have also been provided to all local agents to be passed on to calling vessels and is required to be completed and submitted to authorities for consideration.
• It is mandatory for all crew and passengers landing ashore to fill out a Health Declaration Form for screening by health authorities. Any suspected patients or those with travel history to WHO categorized very high-risk countries within the last 14 days may not be provided with the relevant medical clearances by authorities.
• Prior approval from authorities is required to be obtained for any crew changes.
• Presently all port activities are ongoing as normal without any issues.

• Vessels from “countries at risk” must wait at base buoy for a minimum of 14 days before being allowed to proceed into the channel
• After 14 days, port health service will board vessel at base buoy to consider clearance
• Upon berthing, the port health service will be the first to board. Other administrations and services must wait for free pratique before boaridng
• Deliveries to the vessel at base buoy is prohibited

Crew changes must be carried out under full supervision of port health service

• All arriving vessels that have called at ports in China in the past 14 days;
• All arriving vessels with crew/passengers who have travelled
  to mainland China in the past 14 days

should submit the Maritime Declaration of Health to the Port Health Office. 

National Quarantine Station officers are boarding those vessels to check the body temperatures of each crew along with handing out questionnaires to be filled out personally by all crew members.

• operators, owners, masters, persons-in-charge and crew members of harbour and pleasure craft
• shore personnel visiting ships alongside the wharves and at the anchorages
• shipowners, ship managers, agents and masters of Singapore Registered Ships

• Ports remain open to all ships even from those originating from China and its Special Administrative Regions (SARs).
• The only conditions are the non-disembarkation of vessel crew and no visitors allowed while docked in any PPA-controlled port or at anchorage.
• Ships calling in the Philippines more than 14 days after calling out at a port in China or its SARs shall be allowed to dock without restrictions

• At least 48h prior to arrival, agent to advise the authorities if vessel’s last three ports included a Chinese port
• Screening at anchorage prior to berthing
• Crew not allowed to disembark without permission from Medical Officer, even after screening
• Crew with history of travel from, or passport issued at, Hubei Province will not be allowed to disembark

Failure to report the above can lead to a civil penalty of up to $94,219.